13-Day Southern, Central, and Western Europe Tour: Paris, Madrid, Barcelona, Leysin, Zurich | Airport Pick-up in Lisbon | Breakfasts and Admission Included |

What you'll experience

Highlights

13 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — Lisbon

   Welcome to Lisbon!
   Upon arrival, you’ll be transferred to the hotel with free time to relax. Details for the start of your trip will be provided in the afternoon; alternatively, please check the information panels at the hotel reception for updates.
   Note: 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 this time, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
   Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
   Note: All the following hotels are for your reference only, you may check-in other similar hotels.
   Note: All mentioned hotels below are for your reference only, you might also check-in other same-level hotels.

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: ROMA LISBOA, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ALFRAGIDE, MELIA LISBOA ORIENTE, 3K BARCELONA, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LISBOA AEROPUERTO, IKONIK LISBOA
2. 2

   Day 2 — Lisbon

   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.

   

   Belem

   

   Belem Tower

   

   Monument to the Discoveries

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: ROMA LISBOA, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS ALFRAGIDE, MELIA LISBOA ORIENTE, 3K BARCELONA, HOLIDAY INN EXPRESS LISBOA AEROPUERTO, IKONIK LISBOA
3. 3

   Day 3 — Lisbon - Estremoz - Cáceres - Madrid

   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.

   

   Sanctuary of Fatima

   

   Madrid Plaza Mayor

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH RIBERA DEL MANZANARES, NH ZURBANO, NOVOTEL MADRID CENTER, EXE SEVILLA MACARENA, ELBA MADRID ALCALA, NH VENTAS
4. 4

   Day 4 — Madrid

   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.

   

   Puerta de Alcala

   

   Parque del Buen Retiro

   

   Plaza de Oriente

   

   Las Ventas Bullring

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH RIBERA DEL MANZANARES, NH ZURBANO, NOVOTEL MADRID CENTER, EXE SEVILLA MACARENA, ELBA MADRID ALCALA, NH VENTAS
5. 5

   Day 5 — Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona

   Scenery: Varied. Abrupt in some sections, very arid in others, Mediterranean at the end.
   07:30h Madrid – Departure. We will make a brief stop on our way.
   12:30h Zaragoza – Arrival. Our guide provides with the orientative information about the city of Zaragoza, leaving you next to the Pilar Square to visit the basilica and have lunch.
   14:30 hrs. -Zaragoza - Departure.
   17:00 hrs. – Monastery of Poblet (entrance included). We will make a stop to see this beautiful medieval monastery, which, surrounded by its walls in a beautiful setting, is one of the best-preserved medieval monasteries in the world.
   18:15 hrs. – Monastery of Poblet - Departure.- We cross rich agricultural regions of central Catalonia.
   20:00 hrs. - Barcelona - Arrival.

   

   Santa Maria de Montserrat

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: CIUTAT MARTORELL, FIRA CONGRESS, HAMPTON BY HILTON BARCELONA FIRA GRAN VIA, ABBA GARDEN, ACTA VORAPORT, FRONT AIR CONGRESS
6. 6

   Day 6 — Barcelona - Girona

   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.

   

   Barcelona Olympic Park

   

   Girona Cathedral

   

   Girona Jewish Quarter

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: SALLES AEROPORT GIRONA
7. 7

   Day 7 — Girona - Arles - Carrieres de Lumiere - Chambery

   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.

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: KYRIAD CHAMBERY CENTRE, BEST WESTERN ALEXANDER PARK
8. 8

   Day 8 — Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Chillon - Leysin

   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.
   Note: 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.

   

   Jet d'Eau (Geneva Fountain)

   

   United Nations Headquarters/Geneva

   

   Château de Chillon (Chillon Castle)

   

   Gruyeres

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: IncludedStay: LE CHAMOIS SWISS QUALITY, EUROTEL VICTORIA LES DIABLERETS, CENTRAL RESIDENCE, ALPHA PALMIER, CAMPANILE MARTIGNY, ALPINE CLASSIC HOTEL LEYSIN
9. 9

   Day 9 — Leysin - Glacier 3000- Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich

   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.

   

   Mount First

   

   Grindelwald First

   

   Chapel Bridge

   

   Glacier 3000

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: INTERCITY ZURICH AIRPORT, HARRYS HOME SCHWEIZ, B&B HOTEL ZÚRICH ESTE WALLISELLEN, SORELL SONNETAL ZURICH, ZWIBACK HOTEL
10. 10

    Day 10 — Zurich - Strasbourg - Paris

    Scenery: green landscapes and extensive crops. Rhine Valley.
    07.30 h. - Zurich – Departure towards the French region of Alsace.
    10:30 h. – Strasbourg – Arrival in the capital of Alsace. Time to get to know this charming city on the banks of the Rhine, whose medieval half-timbered streets between canals combine French and German influences. Today as home to several EU institutions, it symbolizes the understanding of its people.
    14.15 h. - Strasbourg - Departure. We cross the region, where Champagne is produced.
    20.45 h. - Paris - Arrival.

    

    Old City of Bern

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NOVOTEL LA DEFENSE ESPLANADE, IBIS STYLES AUXERRE NORD, NOVOTEL MASSY PALAISEAU, MERCURE PORTE D´ORLEANS
11. 11

    Day 11 — Paris

    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, a 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.

    

    Montmartre

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NOVOTEL LA DEFENSE ESPLANADE, IBIS STYLES AUXERRE NORD, NOVOTEL MASSY PALAISEAU, MERCURE PORTE D´ORLEANS
12. 12

    Day 12 — Paris - Rouen

    Scenery: Extensive plains of northen France. Rouen.
    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 (sometimes 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.
    16.00 hrs.- Paris –we will leave for Rouen.-
    18.15 hrs.- Rouen – Arrival and free time to walk and have dinner in the historic center of the capital of Normandy, an active city, whose origins date back to Roman times, with charming medieval architecture and an impressive Gothic cathedral.
    20:45 hrs.- Transfer to the hotel and accommodation.
    Note: Sometimes the waits to climb the Eiffel Tower are long, the climb may take place at a different time (or on Sunday), if it is considered convenient for organizational reasons.

    

    Eiffel Tower

    

    River Seine

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NOVOTEL LA DEFENSE ESPLANADE, IBIS STYLES AUXERRE NORD, NOVOTEL MASSY PALAISEAU, MERCURE PORTE D´ORLEANS
13. 13

    Day 13 — Paris

    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.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: Excluded

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