The South European Line

Duration

15 Days

Physical rate

Moderate

Starting city

Lisbon

Available

April 2024 / March 2025

Cities to visit: Lisbon; Caceres; Madrid; Zaragoza; Monasterio De Poblet, Tarragona Province; Barcelona; Girona - Gerona ; CAREERS OF LIGHT; Chambery; Geneva; Gruyeres; Leysin; Interlaken; Lucerne; Zurich; Lugano; Morcote, Ticino; Milan; Pisa, Tuscany; Rome; Florence; Venice, Véneto

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.
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.

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.
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.
Total distance covered: 115 km
09.00 hrs. - after the breakfast with our guide or a local guide we will enjoy the city tour of Barcelona , open to the Mediterranean Sea, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, for its promenades and memories of the Universal Exhibitions and Olympics that took place there. Barcelona is considered one of the most beautiful and interesting European cities. We will see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuic with its Olympic facilities, Plaza de España. For a few minutes we will make a stop near the Sagrada Familia to have the opportunity to contemplate this monument. The visit will finish in the Ramblas area for participants to walk around the historic center and Gothic quarter. After city tour our guide will offer you an optional activity to visit Gaudí´s masterpiece and emblem of the city, the Sagrada Familia. Free time for lunch and to continue strolling.
18.00hrs -Barcelona –Departure-. We travel towards the north of Catalonia.
19.30 hrs - GIRONA – Arrival in this small Catalan capital with its very beautiful historic centre where the cathedral stands out with its great staircase. The city is also magnificently lit up and has many small restaurants.
Note: if the hotel is not located next to the city center, you will have free time to walk around Girona until 21:15 hrs. before going to the hotel.
Total distance: 650 km

Scenery: Pleasant green and Mediterranean landscapes.
08.00 hrs - Girona –Departure-; we going to France and cross the region of Provence.
12.00 hrs -ARLES - Arrival in this small World Heritage city, where we can see its Roman amphitheater, the best preserved in France, and its small Provençal Romanesque churches. We will also remember Van Gogh, the Dutch painter who, during his most productive period, knew how to best reflect the luminosity of the south of France. Time for a walk and lunch.
14:30 hrs - Arles –Departure to continue to enjoy Provence-.
15.15 hrs- Carrières de Lumière . Admission included to an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in these more than 20 millions year former quarries.
16.30 hrs.- Carrières de Lumières - Departure.
20.30 hrs- Chambery- arrival and accommodation.
Note: If, due to crowds or a change of programme, it is not possible to obtain tickets for the Carrieres de Lumière show, a transfer to the Roman aqueduct at the Pont du Gard will be provided as an alternative.
Total distance covered: 290 km
Scenery: Very beautiful scenery on Lake Leman. Great lakes, tall snow-covered summits in the distance. In the afternoon, we have a trip through the mountains passing through beautiful villages with wooden houses.
NB: Please have your passport in hand, as we are going into Switzerland and sometimes there are border controls asking for documentation.
08.00 hrs.- Chambery- A stroll through this charming capital of Savoy, medieval style city with beautiful historic center and great castle.
09.00 hrs.- Chambery- Departure to Switzerland.
10.30 hrs.- Geneva –Arrival. - The capital of the French-speaking region of Switzerland. A city on Lake Leman which houses the European United Nations headquarters, the offices of the International Labour Organisation, of the Red Cross and numerous other headquarters of international entities. With our guide, we will go to the Palace of Nations (the United Nations headquarters in Europe) and the pretty English Garden with its flower clock, and can admire the “Jet d´Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe.
12:00 hrs - Geneva-. Our road follows Lake Leman amidst magnificent vineyard scenery (an area declared UNESCO world Heritage).
13.30 hrs- Gruyeres. – The area where the famous cheese is produced, Gruyeres is a very picturesque walled touristic village. Time for lunch. Near Gruyeres there are some of the main Swiss chocolate manufacturers (NESTLÉ among others), and we visit the Cailler factory, with a tasting included!
16.00 hrs - Gruyeres. Departure amidst mountains and very picturesque Swiss villages.
16.45 hrs - Chillon Castle, arrival at this fantastic medieval castle built on the waters of the lake. Tickets included.
17.45 hrs - Chillon Castle –Departure-. Magnificent mountain scenery, we cross areas with scenic villages with wooden architecture.
18.30 hrs - Leysin, arrival in this beautiful holiday village with spectacular views of the Rhône plain and Mont Blanc, known for its winter sports resort or its hiking possibilities. Dinner included.
Note: At times, accommodation may be arranged in another Swiss town nestled in the heart of the Alps, often Matigny.
Total distance covered: 230 km
Scenery: Probably the most spectacular part of our route in the Alps; High summits where snow remains all year round; Lakes.
Note: Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes. It is also recommended some waterproof clothing (especially for the waterfalls´ visit). Please also be advised to use sun protection during the sunny days while visiting the high mountains.
Notes: Due to weather conditions (strong wind) or maintenance the cable car may not operate on certain dates. The ascent is not authorized for children under 2 years old
08.30 hrs.- Leysin -Departure-. High mountain landscapes of great beauty surround us and you will be able to see ice and snow during most of the year.
09.00 hrs.- We will take the cable car up to the Glacier 3000 mountain station , one of the most spectacular points in Switzerland where, from its terraces, you will be able to see different panoramic views of the alpine landscapes. You can walk on the suspension bridge over the gap between two mountain peaks, enter the Ice Cathedral or "play" in the Fun Park.
11.30 hrs- Departure to Interlaken through beautiful mountain and lake scenery.
13.30 hrs - Interlaken , a small town situated between two lakes and dominated by an impressive mountain scenery. Time for lunch.
15.00 hrs - Interlaken - departure.
16.15 hrs- Lucerne –Arrival-. This is one of the most beautiful cities of Switzerland. Time to stroll over its wooden bridges crossing the lake.
18.00 hrs.- Lucerne -departure-.
19.00 hrs.- - Zurich –Arrival-. We will take a stroll in the largest city in Switzerland and its economic centre, before going to a hotel.
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.
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.

Map Tour

Visit:











From AUD 3,339