European Spotlight end Zurich
Duration
14 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Lisbon
Available
April 2024 / October 2024
Cities to visit: Lisbon; Caceres; Madrid; Zaragoza; Monasterio De Poblet, Tarragona Province; Barcelona; Paris; Burgundy; Beaune, Burgundy; Lyon, Ródano Alpes; Geneva; Zurich
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 Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Sightseeing tour of Lisbon. In the morning, you’ll enjoy a city tour with a local guide lasting approximately 2 hours. You’ll get to know the Portuguese capital of the seven hills, with its charming alleys, iconic tiles, the feeling of "saudade," and the beautiful Atlantic light. Our tour will include stops at the following points: Eduardo VII Park, Baixa Pombalina (Marquis of Pombal Square, Rossio with views of São Jorge Castle and Alfama), Estrela neighborhood, Estrela Basilica, the Monument of the Discoveries, Belém Tower, and the Jerónimos Monastery. The visit will conclude in the city center. You´ll have free time in the afternoon to further explore the city. We recommend taking the Glória Funicular to visit Bairro Alto and the São Pedro viewpoint. Optionally, our guide will offer visits to the picturesque towns of Sintra, with its castle, and Cascais and Estoril by the seaside.
08:30 p.m. - We’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square , filled with vibrant bars and cafes.
08:30 p.m. - We’ll return to the hotel from the lively Restauradores Square , filled with vibrant bars and cafes.
Total distance covered: 620 km.
Scenery: Forests, small mountains, walled villages, Castilian hills.
Note: There is a one-hour time difference between Spain and Portugal. When it´s 11:00 in Portugal, it´s 12:00 in Spain.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon. We’ll cross the beautiful region of Alentejo.
09:45 a.m. – Estremoz. A charming town with a medieval castle, cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere that embody the Portuguese identity.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Estremoz. We’ll cross into Spain, passing through pastures as we enter Extremadura.
01:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m. in Portugal) – Cáceres. Time for lunch and a walk through its historic center, one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban complexes in the world.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Cáceres.
08:00 p.m. - Madrid - Arrival and transfer to Plaza Mayor, bustling with restaurants and lively atmosphere.
Scenery: Forests, small mountains, walled villages, Castilian hills.
Note: There is a one-hour time difference between Spain and Portugal. When it´s 11:00 in Portugal, it´s 12:00 in Spain.
07:30 a.m. – Departure from Lisbon. We’ll cross the beautiful region of Alentejo.
09:45 a.m. – Estremoz. A charming town with a medieval castle, cobblestone streets, beautiful architecture, and a peaceful atmosphere that embody the Portuguese identity.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Estremoz. We’ll cross into Spain, passing through pastures as we enter Extremadura.
01:30 p.m. (12:30 p.m. in Portugal) – Cáceres. Time for lunch and a walk through its historic center, one of the best-preserved medieval and Renaissance urban complexes in the world.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Cáceres.
08:00 p.m. - Madrid - Arrival and transfer to Plaza Mayor, bustling with restaurants and lively atmosphere.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
From
AUD 3,715