Spain, France and Switzerland
Duration
12 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
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, 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 sign 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 in this itinerary are for reference. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance your experience.
In the evening, we’ll provide transfers to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighborhoods for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference—options include Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
Welcome to Europamundo!
IMPORTANT: 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 sign 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 in this itinerary are for reference. The guide may adjust them as needed to enhance your experience.
In the evening, we’ll provide transfers to Plaza Mayor and La Latina, Madrid’s most famous neighborhoods for nightlife and tapas restaurants. You can choose to dine at a restaurant of your preference—options include Indian, Chinese, Spanish, and Middle Eastern cuisines.
The day will begin around 08:30 a.m. with a city tour through the center of Madrid, featuring landmarks such as Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor.
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.
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.
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 a.m. – We’ll begin with a panoramic city tour led by our guide or a local expert in Barcelona, also known as the "City of Counts." This great European city is renowned for Gaudí’s influence and its stunning modernist architecture. 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.
06:30 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.
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.
At the time scheduled by your guide, we will arrange a transfer to the station for your high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Paris, included in your trip. In just over 6 hours, you´ll arrive at your destination in comfort. Upon arrival, we will provide a transfer to your hotel. Your guide will either contact you in the evening, or you can check the information posted at the hotel reception.
Note: The train journey will be without an Europamundo guide.
Note: The train journey will be without an Europamundo guide.
Total distance covered: 80 km.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Total distance covered: 470 km.
Scenery: Enjoy the pleasant landscapes of central France and picturesque villages.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Paris. We’ll head to the heart of France, passing through the Burgundy region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines.
12:15 p.m. - Beaune. We’ll arrive in this charming village in the Burgundy wine region, known for its flower-filled streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You´ll have free time to explore.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
04:30 p.m. – Lyon, located on the banks of the Rhône River. We’ll arrive in France´s third-largest city that was once the capital of Roman Gaul. The city´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We´ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering spectacular views of the city. You´ll have free time to explore Lyon.
Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In these instances, we’ll travel from Lyon at 7:00 p.m. to Chambéry, with arrival at 8:30 p.m. for an overnight stay. In the morning, you’ll have time to visit this medieval-style city, the capital of Saboya, known for its beautiful historic center and impressive castle.
Scenery: Enjoy the pleasant landscapes of central France and picturesque villages.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Paris. We’ll head to the heart of France, passing through the Burgundy region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines.
12:15 p.m. - Beaune. We’ll arrive in this charming village in the Burgundy wine region, known for its flower-filled streets, historic hospice, and wine museum. You´ll have free time to explore.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
04:30 p.m. – Lyon, located on the banks of the Rhône River. We’ll arrive in France´s third-largest city that was once the capital of Roman Gaul. The city´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We´ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, offering spectacular views of the city. You´ll have free time to explore Lyon.
Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In these instances, we’ll travel from Lyon at 7:00 p.m. to Chambéry, with arrival at 8:30 p.m. for an overnight stay. In the morning, you’ll have time to visit this medieval-style city, the capital of Saboya, known for its beautiful historic center and impressive castle.
Total distance covered: 425 km.
Scenery: Mountains and lakes.
Notes: Don’t forget to bring your camera! Also, please keep your passport handy, as it may be required when crossing into Switzerland.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Lyon. A beautiful journey awaits as we head into Switzerland.
10:00 a.m. - Arrival in Geneva, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the capital of French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, the Red Cross, and many other international organizations. We’ll pass by the Palais des Nations (UN headquarters in Europe) by bus, and with our guide, we’ll visit the lovely English Garden with its famous flower clock and admire the Jet d´Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. You’ll have free time to stroll through the city center and along the lake.
01:00 p.m. - After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through Switzerland, passing by the picturesque Geneva and Neuchâtel lakes.
02:30 p.m. - Arrival in Neuchâtel, a town rich in cultural and architectural heritage. Here, you can enjoy a walk along the lake, explore the historic town center, or visit the beautiful 10th-century castle.
04:00 p.m. - Departure from Neuchâtel. We’ll pass by the scenic Lake Biel.
06:15 p.m. - Zurich. You’ll have time to explore the city center.
Note: Depending on the number of passengers traveling from Geneva to Zurich, this part of the trip might be done by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuchâtel.
Scenery: Mountains and lakes.
Notes: Don’t forget to bring your camera! Also, please keep your passport handy, as it may be required when crossing into Switzerland.
08:00 a.m. - Departure from Lyon. A beautiful journey awaits as we head into Switzerland.
10:00 a.m. - Arrival in Geneva, a vibrant city on the shores of Lake Geneva. Known as the capital of French-speaking Switzerland, Geneva hosts the European headquarters of the United Nations, the International Labor Organization, the Red Cross, and many other international organizations. We’ll pass by the Palais des Nations (UN headquarters in Europe) by bus, and with our guide, we’ll visit the lovely English Garden with its famous flower clock and admire the Jet d´Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. You’ll have free time to stroll through the city center and along the lake.
01:00 p.m. - After lunch, we’ll continue our journey through Switzerland, passing by the picturesque Geneva and Neuchâtel lakes.
02:30 p.m. - Arrival in Neuchâtel, a town rich in cultural and architectural heritage. Here, you can enjoy a walk along the lake, explore the historic town center, or visit the beautiful 10th-century castle.
04:00 p.m. - Departure from Neuchâtel. We’ll pass by the scenic Lake Biel.
06:15 p.m. - Zurich. You’ll have time to explore the city center.
Note: Depending on the number of passengers traveling from Geneva to Zurich, this part of the trip might be done by train, in which case there will be no stop in Neuchâtel.
Total distance covered: 42 km.
Note: Today’s itinerary is unique, featuring a boat journey across Lake Zurich and a return trip by train. Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be conducted using public transport. Please note that the boat schedules may change, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll depart from the hotel for a tranquil day. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll take a leisurely walk-through Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural hub. Renowned for its banking industry, Zurich has twice been recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world.
10:30 a.m. - We’ll embark on an approximately two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat will make brief stops, allowing us to admire the charming villages along the way.
12:30 p.m. - Rapperswil - Arriving in this quaint and picturesque village, famous for its medieval castle, we’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll return to Zurich by train, experiencing the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system. The journey back to Zurich will take just under 35 minutes. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore the city on your own.
Note: Today’s itinerary is unique, featuring a boat journey across Lake Zurich and a return trip by train. Depending on the number of travelers, transfers to and from the city center may be conducted using public transport. Please note that the boat schedules may change, and the itinerary may be adjusted accordingly.
09:00 a.m. - We’ll depart from the hotel for a tranquil day. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll take a leisurely walk-through Zurich, Switzerland’s largest city and its financial and cultural hub. Renowned for its banking industry, Zurich has twice been recognized as the city with the best quality of life in the world.
10:30 a.m. - We’ll embark on an approximately two-hour cruise on Lake Zurich. The boat will make brief stops, allowing us to admire the charming villages along the way.
12:30 p.m. - Rapperswil - Arriving in this quaint and picturesque village, famous for its medieval castle, we’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll return to Zurich by train, experiencing the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss railway system. The journey back to Zurich will take just under 35 minutes. Afterward, you´ll have free time to explore the city on your own.
Total distance covered: 280 km.
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.
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.
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 3,304