16-Day Central, Southern and Western Tour from Madrid: Barcelona, Paris, Luxembourg, Frankfurt, Prague, Brastislava, Budapest, Vienna, Munich and Lucerne

What you'll experience

Highlights

16 days

Day-by-day itinerary

1. 1

   Day 1 — [Saturday] Madrid - Zaragoza

   The tour starts from the capital of Spain, Madrid, where you will pass by the Cibeles Fountain, and then arrive and visit Plaza Mayor, Piazza di Spagna, and Royal Palace of Madrid. The Royal Palace of Madrid was built by the Spanish Royal Family, showing the magnificent and splendid former empire and its historical grandeur. Then you’ll arrive at the Puerta del Sol, a public square in Madrid. You can find the Km 0 square tile on the pavement, which represents the Puerta del Sol, the centre of the radial network of Spanish roads. In the afternoon, we say farewell to Madrid and head to Zaragoza.
   After arriving in Zaragoza, you'll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which is a Roman Catholic Church in the city. The Basilica venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary, praised as "Mother of the Hispanic People". It is reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history. There are a lot of coffee shops and restaurants around the Basilica.
    

   

   Royal Palace of Madrid

   

   Plaza de Espana (Madrid)

   Meals: B: Excluded, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Eurostars Hotel Rey Fernando ****, EXE Boston ****
2. 2

   Day 2 — [Sunday] Zaragoza - Barcelona

   In the morning, you will drive directly to the Spanish warm and charming coastal city of Barcelona. After arrival you will visit the Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas, followed by the Sagrada Família, which is a large Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona, designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí's unique, colourful, fairy tale decorations can be seen throughout the city and makes the place feel like a fantasy of the artist's mind.
   
   Next, visit the exterior of Camp Nou for photos and souvenir shopping. (Note: The stadium has been under major renovations since June 2023 and is not open for interior visits.)
   
   Then, head to the Olympic Stadium on Montjuïc Hill, the venue of the 1992 Olympic Games, where you can also enjoy panoramic views of the city. The remaining time is free for exploring the bustling Plaça de Catalunya. After dinner, return to the hotel.
   
   Due to a limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance at www.sagradafamilia.org.
   Visit time for reservation: 2:00 - 2.30 pm.
    

   

   Montjuïc

   

   La Sagrada Familia

   

   Plaza Catalunya

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Campanile Barcelona Sud - Cornella ***, B&B Hotels Barcelona Sant Cugat ***
3. 3

   Day 3 — [Monday] Barcelona - Andorra or Carcassonne - Lourdes

   In the morning we will travel to the Principality of Andorra. This microstate is located between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees. The state is surrounded by mountains and rough terrain. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is Europe’s highest capital with an elevation of 1,023 meters. Andorra is a popular destination for alpine skiing in Europe. Although most Asian travelers do not give Andorra much attention, it is certainly worth a visit with its beautiful sceneries. Also known for duty-free shopping it is a shopping paradise.
   After lunch we will drive through the Pyrenees entering France arriving at the town of Lourdes. It its said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes some 150 years ago and since has become a place of pilgrimage with records of countless medical miracles. Each year over five million pilgrims visit the town.
   * Please note: From October till the end of February due to winter weather we will not visit Andorra and reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne is a World Heritage Site city with its landmark Castle of Carcassonne. There are 3 km of double walls and 52 towers in the city.

   

   Lourdes

   

   Andorra

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Saint Georges ***, Hotel Alliance Lourdes ***
4. 4

   Day 4 — [Tuesday] Lourdes - Bordeaux

   Today we will travel from Lourdes to the famous wine region Bordeaux. While in Bordeaux we will visit a well-known winery and its vineyards. You will have an opportunity to taste and buy wine direct from the source.
   After our stop at the winery, we will head to city Bordeaux, visiting famous landmarks such as the opera house Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the world’s largest water mirror called Miroir d’Eau and the famous Place des Quinconces and so on. At the end of the day, you will have some free leisure time in the city center of Bordeaux.
   * Please note: Most wineries in Bordeaux are closed to tourists in August or during festivals. Please understand that during this time we will not be able to visit the wineries however we will be able to taste and buy wine in the city center of Bordeaux.
    

   

   Gran Teatro de Burdeos

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: B&B Hotel Saintes ***
5. 5

   Day 5 — [Wednesday] Bordeaux - Chambord - Paris

   Departing from Bordeaux we will be traveling to the world-famous tourist attraction the Loire Valley. The Loire is the longest river in France with a length of 1020 km and is known as the mother river of France. In the Loire Valley there are magnificent and gorgeous castles on both sides of the river. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Chambord Castle also known as the King of Castles. The castle was originally built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francois I of France in 1519 to make a statement of his imperial power. The King hired Italian artists and architects such as Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Cortona to attribute the brilliant art and architectural style of the Italian Renaissance. By doing this he laid the foundation of the French Renaissance.
   Afterwards will be heading to Paris.
    

   

   Chateau de Chambord

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Huatian Chinagora
6. 6

   Day 6 — [Thursday] Paris - Versailles - Paris

   Paris is your oyster over the next two days as you enjoy guided tours around one of the world’s most celebrated cities. Your Parisian adventures get off to a spectacular start with a drive along the famous Champs Élysées to the Place de la Concorde, which played such a key part in the French Revolution. You’ll also get to see the iconic Arc de Triomphe here too, the imposing monument that sits near the western end of the avenue and commemorates the fallen of the revolution and Napoleonic wars.
   You’ll take in another significant historical building next as you head to L’Hôtel National des Invalides, where Napoleon’s tomb is located, followed by a stop at the most legendary of all Paris’s icons: the Eiffel Tower.
   Finally, you’ll travel on the coach out through the Parisian suburbs to the splendid Palace of Versailles, the vast regal château that was the residence of the royal family until the start of the revolution in 1789. Today the palace is another popular Parisian attraction. In the evening, you can enjoy one of our optional Paris evening shows.
   * Due to a limited daily access control in the Palace of Versailles, customers who strongly request to visit this palace to book tickets online in advance at https://en.chateauversailles.fr/plan-your-visit/tickets-and-prices.
   * Visit time: 14:00 - 14:30pm
    

   

   Palace of Versailles

   

   Eiffel Tower

   

   Hotel National des Invalides

   

   Place de la Concorde

   

   Champs-Elysees

   

   Arc de Triomphe

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles bobigny Centre Prefecture ***, B&B Hotel Paris Sud Chatenay Malabry ***
7. 7

   Day 7 — [Friday] Paris

   In the morning, depart for the pier and take a sightseeing boat cruise on the Seine River at your own expense your, a great sightseeing option that offers splendid views of iconic Parisian landmarks, including Notre-Dame Cathedral and Pont Alexandre III.
   After a lunch, we visit to the Louvre, one of the world’s greatest art museums. Here you’ll set your eyes upon some of history’s most famous masterpieces, including the Venus de Milo, Winged Victory of Samothrace (also called Nike of Samothrace), and Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa. Opt for a guided gallery tour, which will enhance your experience and allow you to browse through hundreds of works in just a few hours.
   Afterwards, you have an option of having a French 4 course dinner and show experience or spend time shopping at the legendary department stores Galeries Lafayette.
   * Due to a limited daily access control in the Louvre Palace, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who strongly request to visit this palace to book tickets online in advance at https://www.ticketlouvre.fr/louvre/b2c/index.cfm/calendar/eventCode/MusWeb.
   * Visit time: 13:00 - 14:00pm
    

   

   Louvre Museum

   

   Moulin Rouge

   

   Galeries Lafayette Department Store

   

   River Seine

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles bobigny Centre Prefecture ***, B&B Hotel Paris Sud Chatenay Malabry ***
8. 8

   Day 8 — [Saturday] Paris - Reims - Luxembourg

   The tour leaves from Paris for a delightful scenic journey through the rolling countryside of the Champagne region, famous the world over for the sparkling white wine produced here. Enjoy seeing the historic attractions of provincial capital Reims, including the city’s cathedral – a key national heritage site, where coronations of French kings took place from the 11th century onwards.
   History and tradition are equally evident in your next location: Luxembourg, the world’s only remaining Grand Duchy. After arriving in refined Luxembourg city, you’ll be introduced on foot to the main places of interest, including the Place de Constitution and Pont Adolphe, before having time for further exploration on your own.

   

   Place de la Constitution

   

   Pont Adolphe

   

   Our Lady of Reims Cathedral

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Luxembourg Sud ***
9. 9

   Day 9 — [Sunday] Luxembourg - Trier - Koblenz - Frankfurt

   Today we leave Luxembourg behind and head across another European border into Germany. The first stop is historic Trier, Germany’s oldest city and the birthplace of Karl Marx. You’ll have the chance to see from the outside the house where the influential philosopher was born, which now functions as the Karl Marx Haus museum.
   Your walking tour then takes you into the centre of Trier; here you can look around the city’s impressive cathedral, where the celebrated Holy Robe – said to be the tunic of Christ – is preserved and occasionally displayed. Trier is also known as ‘The Second Rome’ (Constantine served as an administrator here for 10 years), and significant legacies of the once-great empire remain today. The highlight is undoubtedly Porta Nigra, the best-preserved Roman city gate north of the Alps, which you’ll get to see and photograph.
   After an exciting morning in Trier, you’ll drive on to Koblenz, famous as the location of the confluence of the Rhine and Mosel rivers. Here you have the option of indulging in a relaxing lunch alongside the water, then afterwards you can also choose to add on a scenic Rhine boat cruise for some memorable city vistas.
   Back on dry land you’ll drive through the wine-making town of Rüdesheim (depending on road and traffic conditions). Then it is on to Frankfurt am Main, where you’ll discover the delights of Römerberg, a charming plaza with a distinctive medieval town hall as its centrepiece.

   

   Rhine River

   

   Porta Nigra

   

   Karl Marx House

   Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: NH Frankfurt Airport West ****, Mercure Frankfurt Airport Langen ****, Frankfurt hotel Messe by Melia ****
10. 10

    Day 10 — [Monday] Frankfurt - Prague

    After boarding the luxury coach in Frankfurt, sit back and enjoy a scenic ride through some classic German countryside en route to the Czech Republic. Prague, one of Europe’s most ornate cities, is your first destination. You will arrive in the evening, ready to discover this charming capital city with its fairy-tale architecture, the following morning.
      

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Amedia Express Prague ***
11. 11

    Day 11 — [Tuesday] Prague - Bratislava

    Your Prague adventure begins with a spectacular walk along the Royal Route, following the traditional coronation path of the kings and queens of old Bohemia. You’ll start from the top of Castle Hill in the Hradcany district, famous for its views over the red-roofed old city, and then tour Prague Castle. The castle has been the historic seat of Bohemia royalty since the 9th century, as well as home to the nation’s presidents in recent times. Your exploration then heads off around the imposing gothic St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, St. George’s Basilica and along Golden Lane, an ancient thoroughfare lined with some wonderful traditional buildings.
    Later you will stroll across the iconic Charles Bridge, which arches gracefully over the Vltava, and on through the winding alleys to the Old Town Square, where you can see the City Hall and one of Prague’s most well-known sights, the Astronomical Clock. After lunch in the square, you’ll make the scenic transfer from Prague to the hotel in or near the Slovakian capital, Bratislava.
      

    

    Prague Castle

    

    St. Vitus Cathedral

    

    Golden Lane

    

    Charles Bridge

    

    Prague Old Town Square

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Vienna House Easy Bratislava ***
12. 12

    Day 12 — [Wednesday] Bratislava - Budapest

    On Wednesday morning you will arrive in Hungary, the fourth country of the tour. Its capital, Budapest, is known as the Pearl of the Danube, and is essentially two different cities joined together: Buda is on the west of the river, Pest on the east, each with its own distinct characteristics. One of the best ways of seeing this unique location is by taking a river cruise, which many people choose to do. After a morning of activity, you’ll relax over lunch at Buda Palace, and then have a chance to look at the exhibitions in the Budapest History Museum and Hungarian National Gallery, or do a spot of souvenir shopping.
    
    Next you’ll explore both sides of the city on a cultural and historic tour. Highlights on the Buda side of the Danube include the towered terrace of Fisherman’s Bastion, the medieval Matthias Church and a walk up to the summit of Gellért Hill for panoramic views. While over in Pest the sights include the expansive Heroes’ Square and Hungary’s dramatic riverside Parliament Building. In the evening, you can choose to round off an eventful day with an optional dinner in the heart of Budapest, where you can sample traditional dishes such as goose liver, goulash, duck leg and local wine, accompanied by Hungarian folkdance and music.
      

    

    Heroes' Square

    

    Hungarian Parliament Building

    

    Fisherman's Bastion

    

    Elisabeth Bridge

    

    Matthias Church

    

    Danube River

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Styles Budapest City West ***
13. 13

    Day 13 — [Thursday] Budapest - Vienna

    Today starts with a short journey to another of Europe’s grand capitals, Vienna, where you’ll get to explore the Austrian city’s resplendent palaces, striking churches and prestigious art museums. Your Vienna adventure begins at one of the city’s most popular attractions, Schönbrunn Palace, the Rococo-style summer residence of the Habsburg dynasty, rulers of Europe and the Church for many decades. 
    
    After lunch in this refined setting, you will take a driving tour past many grand, famous buildings, including the City Hall, the Austrian Parliament, Hofburg Palace and Heroes’ Square.
    In the afternoon, you’ll have some shopping time, before adding the Wiener Staatsoper (opera house) to your checklist of key Vienna buildings.
      
     Later, opt for dinner in the heart of the city or visit St. Stephen’s Cathedral, before taking a stroll in Stadtpark, which is known for its range of sculptures, including the famous gilded bronze statue of Johann Strauss II.
    
    In the evening, we recommend the option of attending a Viennese waltz concert, which will allow you the unforgettable experience of hearing the music of Mozart and Strauss in the place where it was composed.

    

    Schönbrunn Palace

    

    Vienna State Opera

    

    Hofburg Palace

    

    Golden Hall

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Ibis Vienna Airport *** , LifeHotel Vienna Airport ***
14. 14

    Day 14 — [Friday] Vienna - Mondsee - Munich

    From Vienna it’s on to another Austrian gem, Mondsee. Mondsee is a town located on the shore of the Lake Mondsee. The town is home to the historic medieval Mondsee Abbey. The cloister church was used for the site of the wedding in The Sound of Music. 
      
    After lunch you will continue to cross the German border to Munich. After arriving in Munich, you'll visit the Marienplatz and the New Town Hall. Marienplatz is a central square in the city centre of Munich since 1158. The New Town Hall is at the northern part of Marienplatz. It hosts the city government including the city council, offices of the mayors and part of the administration since 1874. Or you can enjoy a German beer in one of the beergardens before going to the hotel.

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Tulip Inn München Messe ***
15. 15

    Day 15 — [Saturday] Munich - Titlis - Lucerne

    You’ll leave the big cities behind today. Before you head for one of the world’s most famous mountain ranges – the Swiss Alps – you will make a photo stop in one of the smallest countries in Europe – Liechtenstein. The small picturesque city Vaduz is the capital of Liechtenstein with little boutique shops and the famous Huber shop for all your fine jewellery and watches. 
      
    The next destination is Engelberg, the stunning Swiss resort. From here you can opt to board a cable car that takes you to the summit of the impressive Mount Titlis. To reach the top of the permanently snow-covered Mt. Titlis you take three different gondolas.
    You’ll ascend the last stage by the world’s first revolving gondola, the Titlis Rotair, which delivers spectacular views of the valleys, glaciers, lakes and forests below, and 360˚ vistas of the surrounding mountains. At the summit the sun terrace is the perfect place to pause and appreciate the breath-taking panoramas. Other highlights include walking across Europe’s highest suspension bridge for more phenomenal views from Mt. Titlis.
      
    Your next destination is Lucerne. Lucerne is a picturesque city of bridges and towers located in what many people believe to be the “true” Switzerland – picture-postcard mountains, lakes, cowbells, Alpine villages and meadows full of edelweiss flowers. Here you will have time to wander through the charming streets, and see the famous Lion Monument, which Mark Twain once described as “the most mournful and moving piece of stone in the world”. This is a great place to get souvenirs like Swiss watches and fine chocolates.

    

    Mount Titlis

    

    Lion Monument

    Meals: B: Included, L: Excluded, D: ExcludedStay: Hotel Arcade ***, Prizeotel Affoltern am Albis***
16. 16

    Day 16 — [Sunday] Lucerne - Milan - Venice

    Head south from Lucerne through spectacular Switzerland and into northern Italy, where your first stop will be Milan, fashion capital of the world. Your orientation tour will introduce you to the city’s iconic sights, including the vast Gothic cathedral (Duomo). You’ll also see the planet’s oldest shopping mall, the 19th-century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, where you can wander among the boutique shops and have lunch in one of the refined cafes.
    After enjoying the many delights of Milan, you’ll head to another vintage Italian city: Venice.
    Please note that the drop off time is for reference only and may vary slightly due to traffic/unforeseen circumstances.
    Milan
    Drop-off time: around 15:00 PM
    Drop-off point: Milan Cathedral
    Venice
    Drop-off time: around 20:00 PM
    Drop-off point: Venice Group Hotel (outside Venice)
     

    

    Duomo Square

    

    Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II

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

What's included

Meeting & drop-off

Cancellation policy

Important info

Tour operator