Grand 16-Day Rail Journey: Spain, France, Switzerland & Italy

After breakfast, prepare for the day and make your way to the meeting point, located approximately 10 minutes away by car. We recommend taking a taxi at your own expense for convenience. meeting point is at " C. de San Nicolás, 15, 28013, Madrid" ­ Duration: 9h Live guide: English, Spanish Max group size: 30 ­ Included Bilingual tour guide Admission to the Alcazar of Segovia (if option selected) Admission to the Walls of Ávila Admission to Santa Teresa Church Transportation on an air-conditioned coach Description Travel to the highlands of Spain and visit two picture-perfect towns full of monuments from Roman and medieval times. They’ll beguile you and offer a glimpse into the soul of Old Castile. Out of a brown, arid wilderness rise the town walls of Ávila. And what walls they are. Built in the 11th and 12th centuries while the Reconquista was wresting territory back from the Moors, they were designed to stand the test of time. They succeeded. Long, tall, and thick, they form a protective perimeter (2500 meters in total) around the town. 87 stern semi-circular towers further helped deter foes, and friends were allowed in via one of nine vigilant gates. It’s impressive and remarkably well preserved. When you pass through, you’ll find the town inside medieval and devoted to its most famous child, St Theresa of Ávila. Highlights abound such as the gothic Cathedral of Ávila and many romanesque churches. Or perhaps keep it simple and sip a café con leche with the old men in the Plaza Mayor. Onwards to Segovia. It’s surrounded by legend and myth, but there's nothing fictional about the stunning aqueduct that runs right through the city. It’s from Roman times and might appear like a train track of the gods. It has two tiers of arches, near flawless stone and dominates the city for over 800 meters (it continues beyond too for miles). There are other lures. The beautiful Alcázar might seem vaguely familiar – Walt Disney is said to have modelled the Disneyland castle on it, and the 16th century cathedral is considered one of the most beautiful in Europe. More than that though, its streets have a charm and vibrancy that have proved timeless.

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at "Plaza de la Independencia, 28009, Madrid" ­ Duration: 2h 30mins Live guide: English, Spanish ­ Included Guided tour of Retiro Park Expert guide ­ Description Once a royal garden, you'll gain access to one of the largest public parks in Madrid with tickets for a guided tour of El Retiro, followed by a delicious tapas tasting at Casa Ciriaco. Follow your professional guide to discover the Crystal Palace and the Puerta de Felipe IV, hidden within Retiro Park, as well as numerous sculptures and lush gardens. Then, enjoy an aperitif of tapas at one of the most important restaurants in Madrid – Casa Ciriaco. Try several typical tapas and sample the richness of Spanish gastronomy. Tapas aperitif at Casa Ciriaco

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then make your way to Madrid central train station "Madrid Puerta de Atocha" ,located within a short walking distance from your hotel. Here, you'll board your train for a scenic journey to Barcelona. Sit back and relax as you travel to Barcelona central train station "Barcelona-Sants" , the central rail hub in the heart of the city. Upon arrival in Barcelona, your hotel will also be within a short walking distance from the station, making your transfer smooth and convenient. Check-in at the hotel is available from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability. After settling in, enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area and soak in the charm of Barcelona at your own pace.

After breakfast, prepare for the day and make your way to the meeting point, located approximately 15 minutes away by car. We recommend taking a taxi at your own expense for convenience. meeting point is at " 1 Carrer del Palau de la Música, 08003, Barcelona" ­ Duration: 11h Live guide: English Max group size: 25 ­ Included Roundtrip transport from Barcelona Guided walking tour of Girona and Costa Brava Free water refills at the meeting point Not included Food and drink Gratuities Description Kickstart your Spanish adventure with tickets for a guided tour of Girona – the hometown of surrealist artist Salvador Dalí – and idyllic Costa Brava with roundtrip transport from Barcelona. Together with your expert guide, travel back in time and get lost in the colorful medieval city of Girona, a melting pot of cultures. Winding cobblestone streets will lead you to the Jewish Quarter, as well as the remnants of a Roman wall and the Arab baths. On your way to Costa Brava, stop at the pristine village of Pals before heading down the coastal route to admire the breathtaking sea views, cliffs, and coves of Costa Brava. Make your rounds to Calella de Palafrugell where you can walk along the rocky coast, sunbathe and swim, or admire the scenery atop the cliffs of Cabo Roig. ­

After breakfast, prepare for the day and make your way to the meeting point, located approximately 24 minutes away by car. We recommend taking a taxi at your own expense for convenience. meeting point is at " Palau Moja, C/ de la Portaferrissa, 1, 08002, Barcelona" ­ Duration: 4h Live guide: English, Spanish ­ Included Guided walking tour of Barcelona's Old Town Exclusive visit to Montjuïc Castle Return Montjuïc Cable Car ticket Small group tour of max. 15 people ­ Description Observe Barcelona from different points of view! Start in the famous Ramblas with a walking tour of the Old Town and the Raval area. Continue with stellar views from the Montjuïc Cable Car, and end with an exclusive visit to the Montjuïc Castle, a private tour only for your small group. Get to know the secrets of the Spanish Civil War and enjoy the best views.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then make your way to Barcelona central train station "Barcelona-Sants" ,located within a short walking distance from your hotel. Here, you'll board your train for a scenic journey to Paris. Sit back and relax as you travel to Paris central train station "Gare du Nord" , the central rail hub in the heart of the city. Upon arrival in Paris, your hotel will also be within a short walking distance from the station, making your transfer smooth and convenient. Check-in at the hotel is available from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability. After settling in, enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area and soak in the charm of Paris at your own pace.

After breakfast, prepare for the day and make your way to the meeting point, located approximately 22 minutes away by car. We recommend taking a taxi at your own expense for convenience. meeting point is at " 194 Rue de Rivoli, 75001, Paris" ­ Duration: 9h 45mins - 10h Max group size: 25 - 30 people ­ Included Roundtrip transport from Paris Entry to Monet’s house and gardens in Giverny Timed entry to the Palace of Versailles and gardens Description Embark on a full-day guided tour outside of Paris and immerse yourself in the art and history of France on a trip to Giverny and Versailles. ­

After breakfast, prepare for the day and make your way to the meeting point, located approximately 25 minutes away by car. We recommend taking a taxi at your own expense for convenience. meeting point is at " metro cite, 75004, Paris" ­ Start time: 13:30 Duration: 2h 30mins Live guide: English Max group size: 8 ­ Included Expert local guide Semi-private tour for up to 8 guests per guide Not included Food and beverages Hotel pickup or drop-off Luggage or coat storage ­ Description Take a 2.5-hour tour through the historic Latin Quarter, starting at Notre Dame Cathedral. This tour is a journey through time, exploring the lives and stories that shaped this iconic area. With a small group of eight, the expert guides offer a personal experience. You'll learn about the neighborhood's history, from ancient Rome to modern times. Visit the famous Sorbonne University and the Pantheon. Film fans will enjoy seeing locations from movies like "Before Sunset," while book lovers can visit the legendary Shakespeare & Co. bookstore and relax in the Luxembourg Gardens. By the end of the tour, you might feel inspired to write your own story, thanks to the Latin Quarter tour.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then make your way to Paris central train station "gare du nord" ,located within a short walking distance from your hotel. Here, you'll board your train for a scenic journey to Zurich . Sit back and relax as you travel to Zurich central train station "Zurich HB" , the central rail hub in the heart of the city. Upon arrival in Zurich , your hotel will also be within a short walking distance from the station, making your transfer smooth and convenient. Check-in at the hotel is available from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability. After settling in, enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area and soak in the charm of Zurich at your own pace.

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at "Limmatstrasse 2, 8005, Zurich" ­ Start time: 09:30 Duration: 9h 30mins Live guide: English ­ Included Roundtrip transportation from Zurich in a comfortable coach Aerial Cable Car & Mountain Railway ride up Mount Rigi Cogwheel Train ride down to Vitznau 1-hour Boat Ride on Lake of the Four Cantons English-speaking guide (from Zurich to Weggis and from Lucerne to Zurich) ­ Not included Food and drinks Optional activities Description Depart for a full-day trip with a lovely coach ride along the shores of beautiful Lake Lucerne to Weggis, a charming summer resort on the Lucerne Riviera. Board the aerial cableway to Rigi Kaltbad and enjoy a breathtaking vista of pristine Lake Lucerne. Change for Europe's first-ever mountain railway to Rigi-Kulm at 1,797 m a.s.l. The unsurpassed views from the summit over the Swiss Midlands with its deep blue lakes and the snow-capped mountain range of the Alps will overwhelm you! Stop for a moment and take in the views at Rigi, also known as Queen of Mountains, before you descend to Vitznau by cogwheel train. Dock at the Lucerne pier and stroll through the medieval streets of the Old Town.

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at "Limmatstrasse 2, 8005, Zurich" ­ Start time: 13:00 Duration: 4h 30mins Live guide: English, Spanish ­ Included Guided old town walk Transportation in a comfortable coach Ferry ride across Lake Zurich Cable car ride to the Felsenegg viewpoint 10-minute walk on natural path downhill/uphill to Felsenegg viewpoint Not included Food and drinks ­ Description Tour Zurich's main attractions on an air-conditioned coach and soak up the very best sights in the city. You'll pass by the opera house, the national museum, and the famed financial district. Enjoy photo stops at Lake Zurich, the Old Town, and some of Zurich's most beautiful churches, including St. Peter, which boasts Europe's largest clock face. After you’ve seen the city, it’s time to cross Lake Zurich and enjoy a cable car ride to the Felsenegg viewpoint.

Start your day with a delicious breakfast, then make your way to Zurich central train station "Zurich HB" ,located within a short walking distance from your hotel. Here, you'll board your train for a scenic journey to Milan. Sit back and relax as you travel to Milan central train station "Milano Centrale" , the central rail hub in the heart of the city. Upon arrival in Milan , your hotel will also be within a short walking distance from the station, making your transfer smooth and convenient. Check-in at the hotel is available from 14:00, with early check-in subject to availability. After settling in, enjoy some free time to explore the surrounding area and soak in the charm of Milan at your own pace.

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at "Piazza IV Novembre, 20124, Milan" ­ Start time: 08:45 Duration: 10h Last admission: 20 minutes before closing Live guide: English, Spanish Max group size: 51 ­ Included Roundtrip from Milan on a small group (max 30 pax) Luxury air-conditioned coach Professional bilingual guide (English and Spanish) Audio headset Luxurious private boat tour on Lake Como Not included Meal and drinks Hotel pickup/drop-off Other gratuities Description Explore the fascinating Swiss town of Lugano for a fairytale-like adventure. Witness the bustling city center with your guide. The excitement continues in Bellagio, the "Pearl of Lake Como." Stroll through the famous stair alleys lined with beautiful houses. Capture the charm of this Instagram-worthy village and have lunch in a local eatery. The adventure extends with an exclusive cruise on a private boat, showcasing Lake Como's scenic views. Keep an eye out for Villa del Balbianello, the Star Wars star, and Villa Balbiano, the House of Gucci's backdrop. The highlight is the town of Como, where you can engage yourself in the town's rich art and medieval history by wandering through the timeless square. ­

After breakfast, walk to the nearby meeting point for your group tour. It’s just a short distance from your hotel. The meeting point is at "Piazza Duca d'Aosta" ­ Duration: 15h Live guide: English, Spanish ­ Included Transport from/to Pisa and Florence Guided tour on board Audio guide of Florence (If option selected) Tour leader Not included Foods and drinks Pickup and return to the hotel Description Start your journey in Pisa by capturing a classic photo with the famous Leaning Tower. Take a stroll through Piazza dei Miracoli before heading to Florence. Florence, a city known for its Renaissance history, is full of art, history, and culture. Explore the city with a guide leading you to Piazza di Santa Croce, then have the opportunity to venture out on your own. ­

After breakfast, meet your driver and transfer to the Milan International Airport "Milano Malpensa Airport". We recommend scheduling your hotel pick-up up to 4 hours before your flight departure time. Please note that hotel check-out is at 12:00 noon, and late check-out will be subject to availability.