Duration
11 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Barcelona
Available
April 2024 / March 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 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.
09:00 a.m. - After breakfast, we´ll embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona led by our guide or a local expert. This vibrant city, also known as the "City of Counts," nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the bustling Ramblas, and its rich history, marked by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics hosted here. Barcelona is renowned as one of the most beautiful and fascinating European capitals. We’ll see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc with its Olympic facilities, and Plaza de España. We’ll make a stop in Sagrada Familia to admire the exterior of the monument. The tour will end in La Rambla, where you can stroll through the historic Gothic Quarter. After the city tour, our guide will offer an optional visit to Gaudí’s masterpiece and symbol of the city: Sagrada Familia. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
06:00 p.m. – We’ll depart from Barcelona, heading towards the north of Catalonia.
07:30 p.m. - Girona – We’ll arrive in this picturesque Catalan city, known for its beautiful historic center and the impressive cathedral with its grand staircase. The city is charmingly lit up in the evening and offers many small restaurants.
Note: If our hotel is not located near the city center, you´ll have free time to explore Girona until 9:15 p.m. before heading to the hotel.
Scenery: Pleasant green and Mediterranean landscapes.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Girona. We’ll cross into France and journey through the Provence region.
12:00 p.m. - Arles - Arrival in this charming city, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, we´ll visit the Roman amphitheater, the best-preserved in France, and explore quaint Provençal Romanesque churches. We´ll also reflect on Van Gogh, the Dutch painter who brilliantly captured the unique light of southern France during his most creative period. You´ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Arles through the gentle landscapes of Provence.
03:15 p.m. - Carrières des Lumières (Light Quarries) - Near Arles, we´ll experience an immersive show featuring the works of iconic painters, brought to life through projections of images and sound in these ancient quarries, over 20 million years old. Admission included.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Carrières des Lumières. We’ll continue our journey towards Chambery.
08:30 p.m. - Chambery - Arrival and check-in at the hotel.
Note: If tickets for the Carrières des Lumières show are unavailable due to high demand, we will provide an alternative visit to the Pont du Gard, a famous Roman aqueduct.
Scenery: Enjoy stunning views of Lake Geneva, with expansive lakes and snow-capped peaks in the distance. In the afternoon, we’ll travel through the mountains, passing charming villages with traditional wooden houses.
Note: Please bring your passport, as we will be entering Switzerland, and there may be border controls requiring documentation.
08:00 a.m. - Chambery - We’ll start our day with a stroll through this delightful capital of Savoy, a medieval city with a beautiful historic center and a grand castle.
09:00 a.m. – Departure from Chambery. We’ll head to Switzerland.
10:30 a.m. - Geneva. As the capital of the French-speaking region of Switzerland, Geneva is situated beside a lake and hosts the European United Nations headquarters, the International Labour Organization, the Red Cross, and numerous other international organizations. With our guide, we´ll see the Palace of Nations, the lovely English Garden with its flower clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe.
12:00 p.m. - Geneva – We´ll continue along Lake Geneva, passing through stunning vineyard landscapes in an area recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
01:30 p.m. - Gruyères - Famous for its cheese, Gruyères is a picturesque walled village. We´ll have time for lunch here. Nearby, there are some of Switzerland´s major chocolate factories, including Nestlé. Our tour includes admission to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where you’ll enjoy a sweet tasting experience!
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Gruyères traveling through the mountains and picturesque Swiss villages.
04:45 p.m. - Chillon Castle - Arrival at this impressive medieval castle set on the lake´s waters. Admission included.
05:45 p.m. – Departure from Chillon Castle. We’ll enjoy breathtaking mountain scenery, passing through villages with charming wooden architecture.
06:30 p.m. - Leysin - Arrival in this beautiful holiday village offering stunning views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Leysin is known for its winter sports and hiking options. Dinner will be included.
Note: Depending on availability, accommodation may sometimes be in another charming Swiss town nestled in the Alps, such as Martigny.
Scenery: This part of our journey offers some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps, featuring high peaks that remain snow-covered year-round and beautiful lakes.
Recommendation: Bring warm clothes and comfortable shoes, as we will be heading up to high mountains where you´ll have the opportunity to explore the area. It´s also a good idea to bring a raincoat. Additionally, if the day is sunny, remember to use sunscreen while enjoying the mountain views.
Note: Occasionally, due to weather conditions such as rain or strong winds, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may not operate. The ascent is not permitted for children under 2 years old.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Leysin. We´ll be surrounded by stunning high mountain landscapes, with snow and ice visible throughout most of the year.
09:00 a.m. - We´ll take the cable car up to the Glacier 3000, one of the most spectacular spots in Switzerland. From its terraces, you´ll enjoy panoramic views of the alpine landscapes. You can also walk across the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the Ice Cathedral, or enjoy activities in the Fun Park.
11:30 a.m. - Departure for Interlaken, passing through scenic mountain and lake landscapes.
01:30 p.m. - Interlaken. This charming town is nestled between two lakes and is surrounded by impressive mountain scenery. We’ll have time for lunch here.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Interlaken.
04:15 p.m. - Lucerne. Known as one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland, Lucerne features picturesque wooden bridges crossing the lake. Enjoy some time to stroll and take in the sights.
06:00 p.m. – Departure from Lucerne.
07:00 p.m. - Zurich. We´ll take a leisurely stroll in the largest city in Switzerland and its economic center before heading to our hotel.
Scenery: Green landscapes and extensive crops, with views of the Rhine Valley.
07:30 a.m. - Departure from Zurich, heading towards the French region of Alsace.
10:30 a.m. - Strasbourg, the capital of Alsace. You´ll have time to explore this charming city on the banks of the Rhine, renowned for its medieval streets, half-timbered houses and canals that blend French and German influences. Today, Strasbourg is home to several EU institutions, symbolizing the cooperation and unity of its people.
02:15 p.m. - Departure from Strasbourg. We’ll pass through the region where Champagne is produced.
08:45 p.m. - Paris.
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.
At lunchtime, we’ll transfer to Camden, known for its vibrant shops and markets. Here, you can browse items from various cultures and enjoy lunch at one of the many small restaurants or food stands in this popular area. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your leisure.
Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night. Our guide will advise you on the best public transportation for your transfers.
If you need to book an external service (like a plane or train) on the last day of your tour, which includes activities, please note that the detailed itineraries are based on "planned" schedules and could be affected by various factors such as traffic, customer delays, mechanical issues, etc. It´s advisable not to book a flight or train with a tight schedule without considering these factors. Always allocate extra time in your schedule for unexpected events.