26-Day Contrast of Europe end Paris Tour: Zurich | Madrid | Barcelona | Leysin | Zurich

Welcome to Europe!!!

Upon arriving at the airport, we will be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Check the information boards in the hotel reception area for details of the welcome meeting with your guide and fellow travelers.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: City Tour of Lisbon. Evening transfer.

In the morning we will have a sightseeing tour with a local guide. We will visit the tra­ditional neighborhoods including the Belem district, which is the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century. We will have a look around the Monument of the Discoveries, Belem Tower, and the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy the free afternoon when you are free to explore the city at your own leisure. In the late afternoon, we will have a transfer to the Restauradores Square, a public square with plenty of restaurants and cafes. We suggest you ride the Elevador Da Gloria funicular that takes you to the viewpoint of San Pedro with beautiful views over Lisbon and the Bairro Alto. Return to the hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Fatima Shrine. Lunch included.

Today we will travel to the north of Portugal and visit FATIMA, an important sanctuary (a pilgrimage site). We will continue on through the green lands of the centre, passing into Spain and then, over grasslands, we will cross the North of Extremadura. Lunch included en route at a regional cuisine restaurant. We will travel on to MADRID where we will be arriving towards the end of the day. Then we include transfer to Plaza Mayor where you can enjoy at some typical taverns.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Madrid city tour. Stroll through the Retiro Park. Visit to the Las Ventas bullring. Evening transfer.

The morning starts with a comprehensive tour through the center of Madrid including the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then will visit Retiro Park, an oasis in the city center, where we will see the lake and the Glass Palace. A visit to Las Ventas Bullring (admission included) is next. This is one of the most famous bullrings in the world where we will learn about the tradition of the "corridas" at the Bullfighting Museum. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure. At sunset we will provide a transfer to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving different cuisines, such as local Spanish food, international and Chinese. Enjoy a pleasant dinner of your choice. At the end of the evening we will return to the hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Monastery of Poblet, rack train to Montserrat.

In the morning we leave for Aragón over the lands of Castile. In ZARAGOZA we stop briefly to see the Pilar Basilica. We continue to the Monastery of Poblet, surrounded by its walls in a beautiful site that is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world (entrance included). We then proceed to the Monastery of Montserrat where you will go up the mountain on a rack train to see its fantastic scenery. Following this we will continue to BARCELONA, arriving in the late afternoon.

Note: In some cases, depending on the timetable of the rack railway, the ascent to Montserrat can be done in our coach. From November to March, due to the shorter duration of the days, we will neither be ascending nor stopping in Montserrat.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Barcelona. Girona.

In the morning we enjoy a city tour, its Ramblas, the works of Gaudí, and memories of the Olympic Games. Free time. At the end of the afternoon we will go to the north of Catalonia. A stroll in GIRONA and its very beautiful historical center. Its colorful houses stand out, as well as the old Jewish quarter and Cathedral.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHT: Provenzal region in France.

We leave for France, crossing Provence. We stop in ARLES, a small world heritage city where we will remember Van Gogh, and can see its Roman theatre and small Romanesque churches. Time for a stroll and lunch. We carry on and include admission to CARRIERES DE LUMIERE, an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in former quarries. CHAMBERY, arrival and accommodation in the charming capital of Savoie, a medieval city with a beautiful old town and a great castle.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Switzerland with Lakes and Mountains. Chocolate factory. Dinner included.

We travel to Switzerland. GENEVA, arrival. With our guide, we will go to the Palace of Nations (the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe) to the pretty English Garden with its clock made of flowers and we can admire the “Jet d´Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe. We go on to the picturesque walled village of GRUYERE, known worldwide for its cheese. Free time to stroll and have lunch. Nearby are several of the main chocolate factories in Switzerland (NESTLE amongst them), and we visit the Cailler chocolate factory, with a tasting included!. After this we go on to CHILLON CASTLE, built in the waters of the lake. Entrance included to this fantastic mediaeval castle. We will continue travelling through smaller roads amidst bucolic mountain landscapes and very picturesque wooden villages.- Arrival in LEYSIN, a beautiful little holiday village with spectacular views of the Rhône plain and Mont Blanc, known for its winter sports resort or its hiking possibilities. Dinner included.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Swiss Alpine scenery with glaciers and mountains. Glacier 3000 and its cable car. Lucerne.

Today´s stage has beautiful high mountain scenery. Don´t forget your winter clothes, we climb to one of the most spectacular spots in Switzerland where you can see ice and snow all year round. We include the cable car ride up to GLACIER 3000 where you can walk on the suspended bridge in the gap between two mountain peaks, enter the Ice Cathedral or "play" in the Fun Park. Stop in INTERLAKEN and time for lunch. Among very picturesque lakes we continue to LUCERNE, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Continue to ZURICH, where there is time for a stroll downtown before going to the hotel.

Note: Occasionally, for major weather reasons such as rain or strong winds, the cable car to Glacier 3000 may not operate.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Spectacular alpine landscapes, quaint villages and lakes.

We will leave Zurich early in the morning and cut across the Alps in order to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Alongside the route we will get to see beautiful lakes and snow-capped mountains. LUGANO. Arrival in the cosmopolitan capital of the Italian Switzerland built next to its beautiful lake. Time to have a stroll and grab lunch. Next, we will reach the enchanting little town of MORCOTE famous for its flowery stone houses. We will then travel to Italy. Arrival in MILAN where the guide will take us to the impressive Duomo Square. Here you will find a variety of local and international restaurants to have dinner at. Transfer to the hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Coast of Liguria, Leaning Tower of Pisa.

Today we continue our journey towards PISA. On a little tourist 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. Then, we continue to ROME, arriving at the end of the day.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Imperial Forums (admission price included). Evening transfer to the Trastevere area.

In the morning, we have a scenic tour, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We will visit the tiny state of the Vatican, the epicenter of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. We include the entrance to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex formed by monumental buildings and squares, center of the political activity of Imperial Rome.At the end of the evening we arrange a transfer to Trastevere area for a stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the district with hidden treasures, such as some modest medieval churches, small shops with the most peculiar of 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. Return to hotel.Note: on many occasions during the low season, as well as in some specific dates of the rest of the year, instead of the entrance to the Imperial Forums, we will enter the Roman Colosseum, symbol of Rome.

TODAY'S HIGLIGHTS: Tour with a local expert from Florence. View from Piazzale Michelangelo.

Today we will leave Rome, heading north. This route has beautiful landscapes. Arriving in FLORENCE, we head straight to the impressive Piazzale Michelangelo. In the evening we take a tour with a local expert, walking through the historic center, taking in places such as the Ponte Vecchio, the Duomo, and Plaza della Signoria. This city is truly an outdoor museum. Enjoy some leisure time to explore. In the evening you will have time for dinner, as, in this district you can find many restaurants serving international cuisine.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Boat on Venice's Canal. Visit and admission to the St. Mark's Basilica. Admire the technique of crafting Murano Glass.

Today we enjoy stunning mountain landscapes while crossing the Apennine Mountains. We will arrive in VENICE and take the boat and cross the Giudecca to the Island of Venice. With a local guide, we will visit the marvelous St. Mark´s Square and enter the Basilica (entrance included). Afterwards, we will visit the Murano Glass Factory. It is fascinating to see the technique of how this ancient glass is made. Enjoy some time at leisure to explore. Accommodation in the Mestre district.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Breathtaking landscapes. Dinner included.

We will depart from Venice, travelling to Austria! Arrival in INNSBRUCK, time to stroll in the historic city center and have lunch. After this, we travel along a very beautiful scenic road between the mountains to KITZBÜHEL – Arrival and time to see this picturesque little village, a famous ski resort where we can enjoy the snow for most of the year! Free time. Dinner included (vegetarian option available).

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Alpine cable car. Salzburg, the city of Mozart. Fantastic scenery. Cruise on a lake.

Departing in the morning, we include a cable car ride in Steinplatte up to the high mountains in the alpine region, with snow 9 months a year and fantastic scenery. The great landscapes on the platform in the void and the exhibition of dinosaurs will leave us unforgettable memories. We will continue to explore Austria, traveling between the mountains, and arriving in SALZBURG. Our guide will accompany us through the beautiful streets of this city’s historic center, declared a World Heritage site. We make our way between lakes and mountains in the next stage. Our next stop is in ST. WOLFGANG, a famous place of pilgrimage in Austria. We continue to TRAUNKIRCHEN with its beautiful Traunsee Lake, where we take a cruise to see four castles, disembarking in GMUNDEN. After this we continue to VIENNA, arriving in the evening.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Vienna city tour. Gardens of the immense Schön­brunn Palace.

Today we take a scenic visit around this impressive city with a local expert. Here we experience its majestic avenues, its palaces and the vibrant city center. Then we head directly to Schönbrunn Palace, where visitors can stroll around and enjoy its beautiful gardens. After lunch, enjoy an afternoon of leisure in the city center. In the evening we include a transfer to the neighborhood of Grinzing, an old wine-growing village annexed to the city and known for its traditional taverns. Free time to dine in one of its typical restaurants.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Cruise on the Danube, city tour of Budapest, evening transfer.

We have an approximately three-hour journey to BUDAPEST, Hungary. Arriving at around 11:30 am, we will discover Budapest (known as the "Queen of the Danube") on a boat tour along the river. Budapest is divided by the Danube River, with historic Buda on one side and cosmopoli­tan Pest on the opposite side. Time for lunch, followed by a scenic tour of the city. After the tour enjoy some leisure time. At the end of the day we finish in the lively area of Vaci Utca, where there are lots of opportunities to take your dinner.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS. Time to explore Bratislava. Czech landscapes. 

We will leave Budapest for BRATISLAVA, the capital of Slovakia and a city alongside the Danube. With an attractive historic canter, take time to see the city and enjoy lunch. After lunch we will continue our journey to the Czech Republic, PRAGUE. Arriving in the evening.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Prague. Visit to Castle. Boat tour along the river.

Today we will visit the capital, Prague, the Baroque jewel of Europe. Our local expert will provide an informative city tour, which will include outstanding monuments. During the visit we walk through Prague Castle (admission included). Subsequently, we shall take a boat tour on the Vltava River. In the afternoon enjoy some free time to explore the city.

In the evening, we will enjoy more time in the historic city center and there will be an opportunity for you to take dinner. Return to hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Romantic trip through Germany.

We will have an early departure from Prague and stop in PILSEN, in the region of West Bohemia, a city renowned for its beer. Time for a walk through its historic center where we find the Great Square, the cathedral, the Plague Column and a Renaissance-era town hall. We will then cross into Germany where we will follow a section of the so-called "Romantic Route". Next, we will visit ROTHEMBURG, a town that seems to come straight out of a fairy tale, and is considered to be one of the most beautiful villages in the country.

Afterwards, we will head to FRANKFURT. Arrival in the financial capital of Germany in late-afternoon. Free time in the historic city center where there is a wide variety of restaurants to choose from (from Indian cuisine to Oriental, Italian, international and so on).

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Rhine cruise included.

Today we will take a small Cruise on the Rhine, between the villages of RUDESHEIM and ST. GOAR, undoubtedly the river's most picturesque section. After this we will travel to COLOGNE, a city which stands out for its immense gothic cathedral. Then on to the Netherlands. Arriving to AMSTERDAM in the late afternoon.

 

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Picturesque typical village of Volendam. Boat on the Ijsselmeer lake. City tour of Amsterdam.

Today we have a very exciting day in the Netherlands. We will go to Zaanse Schans with its mills, canals and its typical houses. Next VOLENDAM, a very picturesque fishing village. A short boat trip from Volendam, will take us to MARKEN (an island that was joined to the mainland by a fixed dike), where the houses there are built on stilts.

After this, we travel to AMSTERDAM where we will enjoy a panoramic visit of the city to see its narrow canals, its official buildings and parks. We will also see the technique of diamond cutting. A large part of the visit will be done on foot, the information will be given through headphones. Time for dinner in Rembrandtplein, an area with many restaurants from all corners of the world and near the red-light district with its liberal values. Return to the hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Belgium.

Today we will leave for Belgium´s Capital, BRUSSELS, taking time in the Grand Place and making a stop to photograph the Atomium. Continuing to BRUGES, the marvelous Flemish city known as the Venice of the North. Our journey will take us to France. Arriving in PARIS at the end of the day.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Transfer to Versailles Palace. Funicular ride included to Montmartre district. City tour in Paris.

Early in the morning, we will leave for Versailles, the immense palace of the kings of France. After that, we will return to Paris at lunch time where we provide a transfer to the Montmartre dis­trict. We will ascend by funicular to the hill and admire the spectacular view of Paris from the top. Thisneighborhood is known for its painters, artists, and its cab­arets… Sit down for lunch and enjoy a magical atmosphere. Then, a scenic guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and thebreathtaking monuments of Paris will take place. Return to hotel.

TODAY'S HIGHLIGHTS: Eiffel Tower and boat cruise in the City of Lights.

We go to the center of Paris, starting by the Eiffel Tower area. You will have the opportunity to go up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket included). Then, we enjoy a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy a free afternoon to explore as you choose.

End of our services. Please, check the time of your flight in case you might need an additional night.