Compare European Colours by Europamundo Vacations vs European Grandeur - Start London, Return Eurostar, Classic Group Start London Return Eurostar Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Lisbon

Today’s Highlights: Arrival. Transfer to the hotel. Welcome to Europe!!!. On arrival at the airport we shall be waiting to transfer you to the hotel. You can enjoy free time until your tour starts, information about the meeting place and start time can be found on the information boards in the hotel reception area.

Day 2: Lisbon

Today’s Highlights: Visit Lisbon. Evening transfer. In the morning we have a sightseeing tour with a local guide (note: ex­planations may be given by our guide if the group has fewer than twelve people) . We visit tra­ditional neighbourhoods, which take in the Belem district, the birthplace of the great Portuguese navigators who sailed the oceans in the Fifteenth Century. We will look around the Monument to the Discoveries, Belem Tower, and the beautiful Jeronimos Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Enjoy an afternoon at leisure to explore the city independently. In the late afternoon, we transfer to the Restauradores Square, a public square with 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.

Day 3: Lisbon - Fatima - Madri

Today’s Highlights: Fatima Shrine. Lunch included. Night transfer in Madrid. Today we travel to the north of Portugal and visit Fatima, an important sanctuary (a pilgrimage site). We will continue on our way through the green lands of the centre, passing into Spain, and over grasslands we cross the North of Extremadura. Lunch included en route in a regional food restaurant . Continuing to Madrid, arriving at the end of the day. Then we include transportation to Plaza Mayor where you can enjoy at some typical taverns.

Day 4: Madrid

Today’s Highlights: Madrid city tour. Stroll through the Retiro Park. Visit to the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas bullring. Night transfer.The morning starts 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. We then visit to Retiro Park, an oasis in the city centre, 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 “corridas” in the Bullfighting Museum. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at leisure. At sunset we 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, then return to hotel together.

Day 5: Madrid - Zaragoza (Saragossa) - Poblet – Barcelona

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 and guided tour 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 the winter months, from November to March, due to the shorter days, we will not visit the Monastery of Poblet in order to reach Montserrat in the daylight.

Day 6: Barcelona

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Barelona. Night transfer to Olympic Port. In the morning we enjoy a city tour, its Ramblas, the works of Gaudí, and memories of the Olympic Games. The afternoon is leisure time. In the evening we include a transfer to the Olympic Port, an area with numerous restaurants, nightlife and entertainment to explore. Note: Sometimes accommodation on this day may be in Girona. In this case, we will leave Barcelona at 18.00 to travel to this beautiful city in the north of Catalonia.

Day 7: Barcelona - Girona - Mirmande - Grenoble

Today’s Highlights: Girona, Provenzal region in France. Dinner included. We leave Barcelona heading to the North of Catalonia. Take a stroll in Girona and enjoy its beautiful historic centre and the cathedral with its impressive staircase. We cross the border into France and travel through Provence. We make a stop in NIMES, which was an important city in the Roman Empire, where concerts and bullfighting are still held in its ancient amphitheatre which is almost 2000 years old. We will also see the Pont Du Gard, or Gard Bridge, an impressive Roman aqueduct. In the late afternoon, we make a stop in Mirmande, a magnificently well preserved ‘Provencal’ village, with great views over the Rhône Valley. Last stop, our hotel, which is near to Grenoble. Now you can enjoy your evening meal (included)!

Day 8: Grenoble - Geneva - Gruyere - Gstaad

Today’s Highlights: Switzerland with Lakes and Mountains. Chocolate factory. Today we travel to Geneva, Switzerland. Our guide will take you to visit the Palace of Nations (the headquarters of the United Nations in Europe), the pretty English Garden with its clock made of flowers, and the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After this we continue to Chillon Castle (entrance included), this medieval castle built in the waters of a lake. Moving on to the picturesque walled village of Gruyere, famous worldwide for its cheese. Nearby are a few of the main chocolate factories in Switzerland (NESTLE amongst them), we will visit the Cailler Chocolate Factory, with tasting included! Travelling along small roads surrounded by mountainous countryside and picturesque wooden villages, we will reach the pretty little village of Gstaad.

Day 9: Gstaad - Grindelwald - Lucerne - Zurich

Today’s Highlights: Swiss Alpine scenery with glaciers and mountains. Grindelwald, cable car and lunch included. Lucerne. Today’s journey takes us through beautiful high mountain scenery. We pass Interlaken and go around its beautiful lake. We arrive in Grindelwald, time for a coffee before taking the cable car up the mountain, Grindelwald First. Walk around freely enjoying the stunning views, experience the bridge into the void, an ideal place to be seduced by the Swiss Alpine scenery surrounded by its glaciers and mountains. After lunch (included) we continue to Lucerne, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Continuing to Zurich, where there is time for a stroll in the centre before going to the hotel.

Day 10: Zurich - Berne - Paris

Today’s Highlights: Explore Bern, the capital city of Switzerland. We will embark on a scenic journey to Bern, capital city of the confederation built around a bend in the Aare River, with its medieval architecture well preserved in the Old Town. Time to take a stroll. Next, we journey back to France. Enjoy beautiful lake views on our trip to Paris. We will arrive in the evening. Note: If you start or end your trip in Paris, we advise you to book an extra day or two in this city. This way you will be able to visit Disneyland Paris, Versailles and other places of interest.

Day 11: Paris

Today’s Highlights: City tour in Paris. Climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Boat ride along the Seine. Evening transfer. Today we take a guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and the breathtaking monuments of Paris. We end the visit at the Eiffel Tower. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument (ticket admission included) . End your visit with a boat cruise along the River Seine, which divides the north of Paris from the south. Enjoy an afternoon of leisure to explore and relax! At sunset enjoy dinner in the Latin Quarter, a very picturesque historic area where a wide variety of international cuisines await you. We will then return to hotel. Note: Sometimes queues to climb the Eiffel Tower are long. For organizational reasons, if deemed appropriate, the climb can be made at a different time of the day (of Monday).

Day 12: Paris - Rouen

Today’s Highlights: Rouen historic centre. We will start the day by going to the centre of Paris, to the area of the Louvre Museum. Enjoy some leisure time to explore. If you wish, we can accompany you to Benlux, one of the most complete and best-known perfumeries in Paris. At around 18.00 we will leave Paris for Rouen, with its houses with half-timbered walls, narrow streets and gothic churches. Accommodation in the city.

Day 13: Rouen - Eperlecques - Canterbury - London

Today’s Highlights. Ferry crossing to United King­dom. Stroll alongside London Bridge. Today we will take a stroll in the centre of Rouen to admire its magnificent cathedral and the ancient streets of the historic centre. After this we travel to the north of France. Travelling by ferry, we will cross the English Channel to reach Canterbury, the religious capital of England with a very attractive historic centre. Continuing to London, arriving with time to explore, visit London Bridgeto see it lit up and admire the modern buildings. Time for dinner in one of the many restaurants offering a variety of cuisines. After dinner, return to the hotel.

Day 14: London

Today’s Highlights: Visit London. Changing of the guard. English Teatime. Evening transfer to Soho. Get to know London on a locally guided tour featuring style, cul­ture and history. See the Houses of Parliament, the River Thames, the Tower of Lon­don and Buckingham Palace, where we will be able to watch the famous “Changing of the Guard” (depending on the season). In the afternoon, at approximately 5pm, after some free time, we invite all our passengers to a traditional afternoon tea. In the evening, take a walk through Leicester Square, China Town and Soho, with a lively atmosphere, theatres and entertainment. Sit down for dinner at your preferred restaurant. Return to the hotel.

Day 15: London - Colchester - Ferry Colchester Volendam

Today’s Highlight: British Museum. Pleasant hill scenery. Ferry crossing. After breakfast we will go to the British Museum, one of the oldest museums in the world. At lunch time we transfer to Camden, a district famous for having one of the most varied and extravagant street markets in London where we can see relics from cultures all around the world. Enjoy some leisure time. At around 16.00 we will leave for Colchester, known as the most ancient city in England. Time for a stroll. We will then board the ferry in Harwich, taking a night voyage to Netherlands. Note: The ferry used has a limited number of cabins. Sometimes we might change the itinerary, leaving London at 3 PM and take the Channel Tunnel, and spend the night in Antwerp.

Day 16: Ferry Colchester Volendam - Volendam - Amsterdam

Today’s Highlights: Picturesque typical village of Volendam. Visit to Amsterdam. At around 08:00 in the morning we will reach Netherlands (Hoek Van Holland), making a stop in Volendam, a very picturesque fishing village. 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. 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. Go to the hotel.

Day 17: Amsterdam - Hamelin - Berlin

Today’s Highlights: Visit the village that was made famous through the Pied Piper of Hamelin children’s story. We leave Amsterdam for Germany. En route, we stop at Hamelin, a picturesque German town. Here, many shops and streets remind us of the town’s legend: The Pied Piper of Hamelin, written by The Brothers Grimm. We continue toward Berlin, arriving at the end of the afternoon.

Day 18: Berlin

Today’s Highlights: City tour of Berlin. We visit the Holocaust Me­morial and the Berlin Wall Museum. Ease your way into the local culture with a guided visit of Germany’s incredible capital, Berlin. We shall visit the historic centre, Museum Island, the Reichstag, the Brandenburg Gates and the city’s magnificent parks. We continue our visit by stopping at the Holocaust Memorial and the Berlin Wall Museum. This visit helps us to understand the difficult situation the city experienced during the Twentieth Century. Time to explore the city. Enjoy an evening in the lively area of Kantstrasse, a district that offers different types of ethnic restaurants to dine in (Indian, Oriental, Italian, German, and so on).

Day 19: Berlin

After breakfast, end of our services.

Day 1: Welcome to London

Welcome to London. After checking into your hotel, the afternoon is free to enjoy a city that is famous for its pomp and pageantry. Perhaps relax with a walk along the Serpentine in Hyde Park or window shop in the elegant boutiques of Knightsbridge? Alternatively, you may want to stroll along the Thames to the iconic Tower Bridge and Tower of London.

Day 2: London to Paris by Eurostar

Meet your Travel Director at 07:30 and transfer to London’s St. Pancras Station to board the high-speed Eurostar. Your comfortable rail journey takes you via the Channel Tunnel to Paris where you can spend the afternoon as you please.During your time in Paris, see the impressive Eiffel Tower, the magnificent Notre-Dame Cathedral and the imposing facades of the Louvre. Discover the banks of the River Seine with its many romantic bridges. See the obelisk in the centre of the Place de la Concorde and drive along the Champs Elysées to the Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director for a fabulous Welcome Dinner at a local brasserie.

Day 3: Paris, the City of Light

Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose between exploring aristocratic Marais district with your Local Expert, including a visit to beautiful Sully's Mansion garden, or alternatively join a Local Expert who is an avid foodie, to explore the local market and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.

Day 4: Onto Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenonceau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.

Day 5: Bordeaux and San Sebastián

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.

Day 6: On to Madrid Relaxed Start

Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?

Day 7: Madrid Relaxed Start

Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour to learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.

Day 8: Madrid and beautiful Barcelona

Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.

Day 9: Barcelona, City of Gaudi Relaxed Start

Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia, adorned with some of the most flamboyant Modernist buildings. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Day 10: Avignon, the City of Popes

Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.

Day 11: On the shores of Nice

Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.

Day 12: Monaco and Pisa

Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.

Day 13: Renaissance Florence Relaxed Start

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.

Day 14: The Eternal City of Rome

Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, enjoy a traditional meal at a local restaurant.

Day 15: Exploring Papal Rome

A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special, fast-tracked entry to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?

Day 16: Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start

The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?

Day 17: Autostrada del Sole to Venice

Journey through peaceful Tuscan landscapes, to descend past Bologna into the fertile Valley of the River Po. Arrive at the glorious city of Venice by water taxi and savour a cocktail at sunset whilst you are serenaded by an ensemble of talented musicians, long after the day-trippers have returned to their mainland hotels, before enjoying dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 18: The Magic of La Serenissima

Wake up ready to embrace this romantic city. Admire the Doge’s Palace and its adjoining Bridge of Sighs. Join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience as you witness the skill of glassblowers on a visit to a traditional arts centre, before taking a private cruise to St. Mark's Square where St. Mark’s Basilica exudes the city’s former wealth and power.

Day 19: Venice to elegant Ljubljana Relaxed Start

Depart Venice by water taxi and continue your journey to the Slovenian capital of Ljubljana. A Local Expert shows you Prešeren square with the Triple bridge, baroque Franciscan Church and and the lively banks of Ljubljanica river. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to the tranquil shores of Lake Bled? Ride in a traditional wooden 'pletna' across the turquoise glacial waters towards the tiny island that rises in the middle.

Day 20: Ljubljana to Vienna

Follow the Drava River and cross over the Slovenian border to reach the 700-year-old university town of Maribor. Continue past Graz through Styria's forested mountains and on to Vienna.

Day 21: Vienna and the Habsburgs Relaxed Start

In the morning, there is the option to join a private tour of Maria Theresa's Schönbrunn Palace and formal gardens. Later, get your camera ready for a drive around the famous Ring Road. This grand boulevard, built alongside the lines of the old city walls, showcases many of the capitol’s architectural masterpieces, including the Opera House, magnificent Hofburg Imperial Residence and Parliament. Later, join your Local Expert for a walk through Innere Stadt, the first district and historic core of Vienna. Explore Vienna with Insight Choice. Choose between a visit to a traditional Viennese café to enjoy local specialities of coffee and sachertorte. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience during an inclusive workshop and take to the floor in a Viennese Waltz dance workshop designed to support the visually impaired community.

Day 22: Salzburg and onto Innsbruck

Pass the impressive Benedictine monastery of Melk before reaching the enchanting city of Salzburg, birthplace of Mozart and the iconic musical 'The Sound of Music'. A Local Expert will show you the formal gardens of Mirabell Palace, including the fountains and statues where the 'Do, Re, Mi' scene was filmed. Cross Residence Square with its fountain, where Maria sings 'I Have Confidence' and see the imposing fortress, the immense cathedral and Mozart’s birthplace on the lively Getreidegasse. Perhaps join an excursion to the famous Eagle's Nest? Continue to the mountain ringed Tyrolean capital of Innsbruck to see the Golden Roof and Imperial Palace.

Day 23: Liechtenstein to Lucerne Relaxed Start

Journey past flower-filled meadows and picturesque chalet-style villages to the Principality of Liechtenstein. Spend some time in its tiny capital, Vaduz, then cross into Switzerland and through glorious mountains to lakeside Lucerne. On arrival, visit Lucerne's proud Lion Monument, carved into a limestone cliff and dedicated to the heroic Swiss Guards who died defending King Louis XVI during the French Revolution.

Day 24: Lucerne and Mt Stanserhorn

In the morning, embark on a scenic journey by funicular railway and open-top cable car to the summit of the stunning Mount Stanserhorn. Breathe in the pristine mountain air and, on a clear day, witness views as far as Alsace and the Black Forest in Germany. Explore Mount Stanserhorn with Insight Choice. Choose to walk along beautiful scenic pathways for a chance to see marmots and other native animals.  Alternatively, join a Swiss ranger and hear a talk to learn about local wildlife and flora in the area. With the day free, there is plenty of time for shopping for delectable chocolate and glamorous Swiss watches in the traffic-free Old Town. Perhaps venture into the countryside for a delightful horse-drawn carriage ride and meet the local farmers? At night, you are offered a fine selection of restaurants to choose from for your Dine-Around Evening.

Day 25: Legends along the Rhine

Enjoy travelling through Germany and follow the Rhine Valley north to Königswinter.

Day 26: The Canals of Amsterdam

Delight in a private estate viewing of one of the famous Rhineland castles and learn more about these living cultural monuments situated along the Middle Rhine over a glass of wine. Continue your travels to Amsterdam. The best way to see this remarkable city is from the water as you cruise through the canal district, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admire the elegant merchant houses from the 16th and 17th centuries, their facades are a reflection of when trade flourished during Amsterdam's Golden Age. Relax as you pass stunning gables, beautiful churches and the iconic Magere Brug, better known as the Skinny Bridge. In the evening, toast your adventure and new-found friends during a Celebration Dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 27: Return to London

In the morning, travel to Brussels for your high-speed Eurostar train journey. On arrival, you are transferred to the Park Plaza Victoria where your trip ends.