London. Arrival.-

WELCOME TO LONDON!
Transfer from airport to hotel. Later, our guide will give an overview of the tour or you can check the informative panels in the hotel reception area.

London.-

A comprehensive tour of London is included today. Our visit begins in the early morning. The contents vary, depending on local guides, traffic and the weather. We will visit Hyde Park, Oxford St, the City, St Paul’s Cathedral, Tower of London, the Thames, Piccadilly Circus, the Houses of Parliament, Westminster Abbey and Buckingham Palace. During the visit we will stop at Buckingham Palace to see the changing of the guard (it is not always possible to see this ceremony). The visit ends in the central part of the city. Free afternoon. Our guide will offer you an optional outing to Windsor Castle.

18:00 h. In the evening, we will meet at a a meeting point in Piccadilly Circus where our guide will accompany you to Leicester Square, China Town and Soho with its amazing atmosphere, its theaters and bustle . Time for dinner in this area with numerous ethnic restaurants (Indian, Thai, Chinese, international, and so on).


20.30 h. return to the hotel from Piccadilly.
Note: In some cases, this evening event will be organised the previous day, when we arrive in London.

Free day. You can enjoy the charm of this city and explore and discover memorable places.

London- Canterbury- Amiens- Paris.-

Distance traveled by road: 505 km

Landscape: Green hills of England and the great plains of northern France.

Notes: Keep your passport at hand for when we cross the border between the UK and France.
Remember France is 1 hour ahead of the UK (while in the UK is 11:00, in France is 12:00)


07.30 hrs - London - We will leave the great metropolis of London and head south-east.
09.30 hrs - Canterbury - Arrival - Free time in the official seat of the Church of England, a cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site with a magical medieval atmosphere.

11.15 hrs- Canterbury- Departure-
11.45 hrs- Folkestone, arrival. After completing border formalities our coach will board a train headed for France via the EUROTUNEL. We make use of this fantastic feat of engineering, the longest underwater tunnel in the world, which links both countries in as little as 35 mins. The train is scheduled to depart at 12.30 hrs although the timetable may vary.

14.00 hrs (13.00 hrs in UK) - Coquelles (France) - upon arrival in France we will continue with our trip and have a stop at a service area to have lunch.
16.45 hrs. Amiens- Arrival in this city known for its Gothic cathedral. You can take a stroll through its narrow yet lively streets, and visit places such as the floating gardens or the house where Julio Verne lived.

18.30 hrs.- Amiens, departure.
21.00 hrs.- Paris, arrival.


Note: For operational reasons, on some occasiones, the crossing from England to France will be made by ferry instead of by train.

Paris.-

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. Thisneighbourhood 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 the breathtaking monuments of Paris will take place. Return to hotel.

Paris.-

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

We go to the centre of Paris, starting by the Eiffel Tower area. You will have the opportunity to climb 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.

Paris - Semur - Beaune - Lyon.-

Total distance: 500 km.

Today’s highlights: Vineyards in Beaune and Bourgogne region.
Landscapes: Pleasant landscapes in the center of France; Picturesque villages. Funicular climb in Lyon.


08.00 hrs.- París –departure-. We travel to the center of France. We cross the region of Bourgogne, an area known for its wines.
11.15 hrs.- Semur en Auxois –Arrival-. A walk and a coffee in this small medieval village surrounded by impressive walls.


12.00 hrs.- Semur –departure-.
13.30 hrs.- Beaune.- Charming small village in the middle of the wine region of Bourgogne; Its streets full of flowers, its hospice, its wine museum. Time to walk and have lunch.


15.00 hrs.- Beaune –departure to Lyon-.
17.00 hrs.- Lyon –Arrival-. On the banks of the Rhône River, the third city of France that once was the capital of the Roman Gallia. The historic centre of this lively City has been declared a World Heritage site. We include a funicular climb to Notre Dame de Fourvière where we have a great view of the city. Free time.


Note: Sometimes, for events or congresses, accommodation may be provided in a city near Lyon (normally Chambery).

Lyon - Geneva - Neuchatel- Zurich.-

Total Distance: 425 km Scenery: Mountains and lakes.
Notes: Remember to bring your camera along! Also, please carry your passport in hand as it might be requested when crossing into Switzerland.


08.00 hrs- Lyon- Departure. A beautiful stage awaits us as we set off for Switzerland.
10.00 hrs- Geneva, capital of French-speaking Switzerland, situated on the shores of Lake Geneva. The guide will take us to the Palais des Nations (the European headquarters of the United Nations), the beautiful “Jardin Anglais” (with its quaint flower clock), and the “Jet d´Eau”, the tallest fountain in Europe.


13.00 hrs- After lunch, we will continue travelling through Switzerland by the beautiful Leman, Neuchatel lakes.
14.30 hrs- Neuchatel- We will stop in this town with a rich cultural and architectural past. Here you can go on a walk by the lake, the historic town centre or visit its beautiful, 10th century castle.

16.00 hrs- Neuchatel departure. We will pass by the beautiful Lake Biel.
18.15 hrs- Zurich – Arrival. We will have time to explore the city center.


Note: depending on the number of passengers travelling from Geneva to Zürich, this part of the trip might be done by train - in which case, there will be no stop in Neuchatel.

Zurich - Rapperswil - Zurich.-

Road distance: 40 km
TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Boat trip across Zurich lake. Journey by train.
Notes: bring your camera.


08.30 hrs- With our guide, we will stroll in 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.
10.30 hrs- After this we will board a boat for a trip lasting almost two hours on Zurich lake. The boat makes brief stops, allowing us to admire the villages on the way.


12.30 hrs- We get off in RAPPERSWILL, a small and highly picturesque village overlooked by its mediaeval castle. Time to walk and have lunch.


15.00 hrs- We return to Zurich by train, and will see the efficiency and punctuality of the Swiss Railways.


16.30 hrs- Enjoy an evening in the historic centre, next to the lake, where you can dine at your favorite restaurant (Indian, Oriental, Italian, International, Swiss, etc.).


Note: From the end of October, due to the decrease of boat departures, the stage will be reversed going first by train from Zurich to Rapperswill and then by boat from Rapperswill to Zurich.

Zurich - Grindelwald - Lucerne - Zurich.-

Total distance: 280 km
TODAY´S HIGHLIGHTS: Admire the fantastic landscapes. Cable car included to Grildelwald first. Lunch included
Note: Wear warm clothing and comfortable shoes to walk and your camera.
Note: Due to weather conditions (strong wind) or maintenance reasons, the cable car may not operate at any time. If this happens, we will provide an alternative lift to another similar place.


07.30 hrs- Zurich- departure to a spectacular stage with beautiful landscapes with high mountains and lakes.
10.00 hrs.- Grindelwald. Time to have a coffee in this mountain resort in the Bernese Alps before taking the cable car to Grindelwald First (ticket included), the largest ski center in the region. We will walk along the path (30 minutes) in which we will have the opportunity in breathtaking alpine landscapes to take the "footbridge over the emptiness" enjoying the glaciers that surround us; Lunch included for all passengers (vegetarian option available).


13.45 hrs- Grindelwald departure. We continue to Lucerne.
15.30 hrs- Lucerne- arrival in time to explore one of the most interesting Swiss cities and see the KapellBrück, covered bridge over the river Reuss, the Town Hall and Square with its Clock Tower and its pedestrian streets and elegant shops. Time to stroll, enjoy the city and dine before returning to the hotel in Zurich.


19:00 h. Return to Zurich.
20.00 h. -Zurich - Zurich.

Zurich - Lugano- Morcote - Milan.-

Total distance covered: 295 km

Scenery: Spectacular alpine landscapes, quaint villages and lakes. Do not forget to bring your camera!
Notes: Please carry your passport in hand as it might be requested when crossing into Italy.


08.00 hrs. - Zurich – We will leave Zurich early in the morning and cut across the Alps in order to reach the Italian-speaking part of Switzerland. Along the route we will get to see beautiful lakes and snow-capped mountains.
11.00 hrs.- LUGANO. Arrival in the capital of Ticino, the Italian-speaking canton of Switzerland and an elegant cosmopolitan city, built on the shores of Lake Lugano. Free time to explore this quaint city and to have lunch.

13.30 hrs. Lugano. Departure.
14.00 hrs – Morcote. Arrival in this very picturesque village by Lake Lugano, famous for its flowery stone houses.

15.00 h. Morcote – Departure. We will travel towards the Italian border.
16.30 h. Milan – The guide will take us to the impressive Duomo Square. There will be time to dine at Porta Venecia (Port of Venice) where an outstanding variety of restaurants can be found to suit all tastes. From restaurants serving Swiss and Italian food to French, Chinese and international cuisines. Transfer to the hotel at about 20.00 hrs.

Milan - Pisa - Rome.-

Total distance: 640 km
Scenery: surprising scenery along the coast of Liguria and the Tuscan Apennines.




08.00 hrs- We leave the Italian financial capital towards Pisa.
11.30 hrs- Pisa –On a little touristic 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.


13.30 hrs- Pisa – Departure for Rome, passing through ancient Etruscan regions.
20:15 h. Rome - Arrival.


Note: This stage may have a different schedule (arriving somewhat later to Pisa and Rome) for the meeting en route of travelers coming from Nice.

Rome.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Rome. Roman Coliseum (admission price included) and Vatican City. Evening transfer to the Trastevere area.

In the morning, we have a scenic tour of the city, which will be a great introduction to “The Eternal city”. We enter the tiny state of the Vatican. The Vatican City is a principal centre of Christianity in the world. You will be able to visit St. Peter’s Basilica. And we have also included admission to the Roman Coliseum, the principal symbol of Rome. This impressive con­struction dates back 2,000 years and will transport us in time so that we can learn about ancient society in the Roman Empire.


In the evening we provide a transfer to Trastevere area. A stroll in the narrow cobbled streets of the Trastevere district reveals hidden treasures to us, such as some modest mediaeval 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.

Rome - Madrid.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Flight Rome –Madrid. Evening transfer to the Gran Via District.

After breakfast a transfer takes you to the airport to take your flight at around 11.00hrs to Madrid.


Upon arrival we shall be waiting to transfer you to your hotel. Towards the end of the day, we provide transfer to the Egyptian Debod temple, Plaza de Es­paña and Gran Via; a vibrant district where you can dine at your preferred restaurant: Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern are some of the options.

Madrid.

Highlights: Guided tour and stroll through Retiro Park. Visit to Las Ventas Bullring (admission included) and transfer to Plaza del Oriente.


The day starts about 08.30 hrs with a comprehensive tour through the centre of Madrid including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor.


Visit to Retiro Park, an oasis in the city centre, where we will see the lake and the Glass Palace. Admission to Las Ventas Bullring included. This is one of the most famous bullrings in the world where we will learn about the tradition of “corridas” in the Bullfighting Museum.


Enjoy the rest of the afternoon.



At sunset we provide a transfer to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving different exquisite cuisines (Indian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Spanish, International) in which to enjoy a pleasant dinner. Return to hotel.

Madrid - Zaragoza - Poblet - Montserrat - Barcelona.

Total distance: 640Km
Scenery: different landscapes on the Spanish plateau and fertile areas in Catalonia.


07:30h Madrid – Departure.
12:30h Zaragoza – Arrival at this city, which stands on the banks of the river Ebro. The guide will join the group to Basilica del Pilar. Free time to visit this impressive sanctuary and have lunch in the city centre.


14:00 hrs. -Zaragoza.- Departure on our way to Catalunia.
16:30 hrs. – Monastery of Poblet. Surrounded by walls in a beautiful setting, this is one of the best preserved medieval monasteries in the world (entrance included).


17:30 hrs. – Monastery of Poblet.- Departure.- We cross rich agricultural regions of central Catalonia. We go to the beautiful scenery where the Benedictine abbey is located. We climb to the summit in small rack train to admire the fantastic landscapes


18:45 hrs. -Monasterio de Montserrat.- Arrival.- Time to admire the views and visit the sanctuary where the Virgin of Montserrat, patron saint of Catalonia, is located.


19:45 hrs. -Montserrat.- road exit.
20:45 hrs. - Barcelona.- Arrival.

Note: In some cases, depending on the timetable of the rack railway, the ascent to Montserrat can be done in our coach.

Important note: In the Winter months, from November to March (both included), due to the shorter days, the Monastery of Poblet will not be visited (so that we can reach Montserrat in the daylight).

Barcelona.

Highlights: Barcelona Guided tour lasting 3 hours; visit to “Poble Espanyol”, with admission included; transfer to Plaza de Cataluña and the Ramblas.


09:00h.- Tour of the city with a local guide (note: if the group has fewer than fifteen people, explanations can be given by our guide) who will tell us about this exciting city on the shores of the Mediterranean. We will visit the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neighborhood dating back to the Middle Ages. We will visit the area where the Olympic Games took place. It will be possible to see and photograph La Sagrada Familia basilica; the masterpiece designed by the architect Gaudí.


Subsequently, we include the entry ticket to “Poble Espanyol” (meaning, Spanish Village), an open-air museum that combines the art, traditions, architecture, arts and crafts and folklore of each of the Spanish regions. Time for lunch. Free afternoon.


18:30h.- Transfer to Plaza de Cataluña and the Ramblas, the heart of the city, where there are many restaurants where you can dine. Return to hotel.

After breakfast, end of our services.