17 Day European Wonders Tour with Flights

Madrid

Welcome to Madrid, Spain! Upon arrival, a transfer will be provided. Your driver will be waiting for you at the arrival hall to take you to your hotel and provide all the local information of the area you will be staying at and how to get around to the historic city centre. (Normal Check-in Time is 3:00 pm) In the evening, a transfer will be provided to the Egyptian Debod temple, Plaza de España and Gran Via; a vibrant district for you to explore the magical ancient city. You will have the chance to try out some typical Spanish dinner (own expense) before returning to the hotel.

Accommodation: Hotel Praga or similar

Meals included: none

Madrid City Tour 

Enjoy breakfast at your hotel and then begin your discovery of Madrid with your local specialist which showcases the city’s vibrant centre, the beautiful Plaza Mayor (Main Square), its broad and magnificent avenues and its many fountains. You’ll have a chance to visit the landmark sights that include the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas (entrance included) and followed by a walking tour of the beautiful Retiro Park enhanced by the lake and Crystal Palace. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. If you wish why not try the optional visit to the Royal Palace (entrance not included). In the evening, we provide transfer to the Plaza de Oriente in the historic centre of Madrid where you will have time for dinner (own expense).

Accommodation: Hotel Praga or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Madrid Zaragoza Montserrat Barcelona

We depart early in the morning from Madrid towards Aragón whilst briefly stopping in Zaragoza. We will stop by at the Basílica del Pilar the universal symbol of Zaragoza whilst visiting this impressive sanctuary. Directly afterwards, you will have free time in the city centre to explore the city’s emblematic buildings like the La Lonja Palace or the San Salvador Cathedral. Later, we then go onto the Monastery of Montserrat where we include a ride on the rack train for the fantastic views all the way to Barcelona. We should arrive at Barcelona in the late afternoon. 

Accommodation: Front Air Congress or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Barcelona

Following breakfast, we will get to know Barcelona, an impressive city right on the Mediterranean Sea. We will meet our local expert for a fantastic sightseeing city tour of the historic central area with its Gothic neighbourhood dating back to the Middle Ages. We will also visit the area where the Olympic Games took place where it will be possible to see and photograph La Sagrada Familia Basilica; the masterpiece designed by the architect Gaudi. Subsequently, we include the entry ticket to “Poble Espanyol” (meaning “Spanish Village”). This open-air architectural museum is situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona. Be delighted by the best Spanish craftsmanship and discover the architectural styles, traditions and folklore of the different communities in Spain. You will have some free time to explore the city on your own. In the evening, transfer service will be provided to the most vivid street in Barcelona, Las Ramblas and Plaza Catalunya area for dinner (own expense). Enjoy the bustling life of Barcelona before returning back to the hotel.

Accommodation: Front Air Congress or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Barcelona Paris

After breakfast, we arrange a transfer (included) to the train station. We travel on a high-speed train. The train is quite comfortable and it is an enjoyable trip through wonderful landscapes. On several occasions, our train will reach speeds of around 300 km/h (186 m/h). The train journey takes 6½ hours. Arrival in Paris and transfer to the hotel. In the evening, you will be visiting the most famous district in Paris - Montmartre. This neighbourhood is known for its painters, artists, and its cabarets show. You will have the chance to try some typical French dinner (own expense) before ascending by funicular to the hill for the spectacular panoramic view of Paris.

Accommodation: Courtyard Marriot Paris St Denis or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Paris

After breakfast, you will be taking a guided orientation tour to discover the history and monuments of Paris. Ascend to the second level of the Eiffel Tower (Ticket included) for a breathtaking view of the city then followed by a boat cruise (Boat ticket included) along the River Seine. Spend the rest of the day exploring the sights that interest you. In the evening, a transfer will be provided to “Quartier Latin”, enjoy the great dining atmosphere where a wide variety of international cuisines. 

Accommodation: Courtyard Marriot Paris St Denis or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Paris

After breakfast, you will be transferred to the heart of Paris near the area of the Louvre Museum. Free time as you wish. If you wish we can accompany you to Benlux, one of the most famous Duty-Free Shop with luxury items, fashion accessories, perfumes, cosmetics and skincare in Paris. Alternatively, you can enjoy free time to explore on your own to the second largest Museum in the world - The Louvre or other attractions.  Free time for the rest of the day.

Accommodation: Courtyard Marriot Paris St Denis or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Paris Noyers Beaune Lyon

We travel to the centre of France to the Bourgogne region, famous for its wines. A stop in Noyers, a small medieval town classified amongst the prettiest places in France. After this, we will visit Beaune the wine capital of Burgundy, in the centre of the Bourgogne region where its streets are full of flowers. Its hospice and its wine museum can be reminders of your trip. You will have time for lunch before you continue your journey to Lyon. Arriving in Lyon mid-afternoon it is the capital of Roman Gallia on the banks of the Rhône, its historic centre has been classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have some free time to explore the city prior to heading back to the hotel for check-in.

Accommodation: Campanile Lyon sud Confluence Oullins or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Lyon Geneva Zurich 

Enjoy a morning scenic drive from Lyon to Geneva a city that is surrounded by the Alps and Jura mountains, the city has views of Mont Blanc. Upon arrival, you will visit the Palais des Nations (the United Nations headquarters), and then to the beautiful garden Jardin Anglais with its flower clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau (the tallest fountain in Europe). After lunch (own expense), you will continue your journey to Zurich passing through the beautiful Lac Léman and Lake Neuchâtel (note: depending on the number of travellers from Geneva to Zürich, this trip might be done by train). 

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Zurich Messe Airport or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Zurich Rapperswill Zurich 

Morning visit with your guide strolling through the most populated city of Switzerland, the financial and cultural capital of the country. The city of banks has twice been declared the city with the best quality of life in the world. After this, enjoy an unforgettable moment on a boat cruise along the Lake Zurich, taking the journey from Zurich to Rapperswill (approx. 2 hours). The boat makes brief stops, allowing you to admire the villages on the way. Leaving at the eastern end of the lake is the "Rose Town" of Rapperswill, the picturesque village overlooked by its medieval castle. Return to Zurich by train, and you’ll see the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss Railways. Enjoy your evening meal (own expense) in the historic centre next to the lake.

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Zurich Messe Airport or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Zurich Grindelwald Lucerne Zurich

Start the day to a hot breakfast whereby today’s stage has beautiful landscapes with high mountains and lakes. On a clear day, you may be able to see Jungfrau from the city centre. Take a stroll along Interlaken and follow to Grindelwald, also known as “Glacier Village”. Enjoy a quick coffee break before taking an unforgettable cable car ride (ticket included) to the Grindelwald First and walk half an hour along the “footbridge over the empty” whilst absorbing the fantastic scenery of glaciers around you. You will have lunch (included) before continuing to Lucerne, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. After that, you will return to Zurich and will have time to explore your dining options at the city centre (own expense). 

Accommodation: Hotel Ibis Zurich Messe Airport or similar

Meals included: breakfast, lunch

Zurich Burglen Lugano Morcote Milan

You will visit the tiny village Burglen, where William Tell the folk hero of Switzerland was born.  Here you will see the chapel of the XVI century with paintings illustrating his life. Continuing to Lugano the cosmopolitan capital of the Italian Switzerland with its star attraction the beautiful Lake Lugano.  Time for a stroll and to have lunch. Afterwards, following the shores of the lake, you will reach the enchanting little town of Morcote which was awarded as the nicest village of Switzerland in 2016. Crossing the border to Italy you will arrive in Milan where a local guide will take you to the impressive Duomo Square where the great Duomo di Milano and the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II resides.  There will be time to dine at the Porta Venecia (Port of Venice) where an outstanding variety of restaurants can be found.

Accommodation: IH Milano Lorenteggio or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Milan Pisa Rome

After breakfast, head to Pisa. On a little tourist train, you 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, the well-known Leaning Tower of Pisa. After that, continue to Rome and arrive in the evening. 

Accommodation: Cristoforo Colombo or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Rome 

Experience some of the richest histories in the world today with a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to the “The Eternal City”.  We will visit the tiny state of the Vatican. Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit the famous St Peter's Basilica, Sistine Chapel and Vatican Museums (own expense).  And we have also included admission to the incredible ruins of the Roman Coliseum (admission included) the principal symbol of Rome. This impressive construction dates back to 2000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire.  In the evening, a transfer service will be provided to Via Cavour area, here you will find restaurants serving different cuisines (own expense). Return to hotel around 9 pm.

Accommodation: Cristoforo Colombo or similar

Meals included: breakfast

Rome Australia

Free at leisure in the morning until departure transfer to the airport for your homebound flights. Bid a fond farewell to this breathtaking adventure as your memorable holiday comes to an end.

Meals included: breakfast

Australia

Arrive Australia

Meals included: inflight