Tour 19) The Best of Western Europe: From Madrid, Paris & the Alps to Rome and Barcelona – 16 nights / 17 days

Day 1 – Arrival in Madrid
Arrive in Madrid, Spain’s vibrant capital. After settling in, enjoy an orientation tour featuring the impressive Gran Vía, Plaza de España, Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Take a first stroll through the historic center and experience Madrid’s lively atmosphere, elegant boulevards and traditional cafés. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 2 – Madrid & Optional Toledo
Enjoy a full-day Madrid city tour, discovering the Royal Palace, Almudena Cathedral, Plaza Mayor, Retiro Park and the famous Prado Museum area. In the afternoon, take an optional excursion to Toledo, the historic “City of Three Cultures,” renowned for its medieval streets, cathedral, synagogue and Alcázar, before returning to Madrid. Overnight in Madrid.

Day 3 – Madrid – Bordeaux
Depart Madrid and travel north through the scenic landscapes of northern Spain before crossing into France. Continue toward Bordeaux, the celebrated wine capital of the region. Upon arrival, enjoy a city tour featuring the elegant Place de la Bourse, Garonne riverfront, Grand Théâtre and historic old town. Overnight in Bordeaux.

Day 4 – Bordeaux – Paris
Continue north toward Paris. Admire the magnificent Gothic Notre-Dame Cathedral and enjoy some time in the city center. Continue through northeastern France to Paris, arriving in the evening and beginning your introduction to the French capital. Overnight in Paris.

Day 5 – Paris City Tour
Spend a full day discovering Paris, including the Champs-Élysées, Arc de Triomphe, Eiffel Tower, Place de la Concorde, Louvre area, Notre-Dame and the Latin Quarter. Enjoy time for a leisurely Seine-side walk or optional river cruise. In the evening, experience the atmosphere of Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur. Overnight in Paris.

Day 6 – Paris – Metz – Frankfurt
Depart Paris and travel east through the French countryside to Metz, known for its beautiful Gothic cathedral and picturesque historic center. Continue across the border into Germany and arrive in Frankfurt, Germany’s important financial and business center. Enjoy an orientation tour of the city, including Römerberg, the Main River and the modern skyline. Overnight in Frankfurt.

Day 7 – Frankfurt – Heidelberg – Black Forest – Zurich
Travel south to Heidelberg, one of Germany’s most romantic cities, with its famous castle, Old Bridge and charming Old Town. Continue through the scenic Black Forest, a region of wooded hills, traditional villages and picturesque landscapes. Cross into Switzerland and arrive in Zurich for an orientation tour of the city center and Lake Zurich. Overnight in Zurich.

Day 8 – Zurich – Lucerne – Liechtenstein – Munich
Travel to Lucerne and explore its beautiful Old Town, Chapel Bridge, Lion Monument and lakeside setting. Enjoy an optional cruise on Lake Lucerne before continuing east toward Liechtenstein. Stop in Vaduz, the tiny principality’s capital, before crossing into Germany and continuing to Munich, Bavaria’s elegant capital. Overnight in Munich.

Day 9 – Munich – BEST OF INNSBRUCK
Depart early for Austria and travel to Wattens, home of Swarovski Crystal Worlds, where spectacular crystal installations and artistic displays await. Continue to Innsbruck, the “Capital of the Alps.” Explore the historic city center, Golden Roof and Maria-Theresien-Straße, then ascend toward Nordkette for magnificent mountain views from the Top of Innsbruck. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Tyrolean Folk Show with the Gundolf family, including a delicious local dinner. Overnight in Innsbruck.

Day 10 – Innsbruck – Verona – Venice
Depart Innsbruck and travel south through the spectacular Alpine scenery toward Italy. Arrive in Verona, the romantic city associated with Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. Visit Piazza Bra, the Roman Arena, Piazza delle Erbe and Juliet’s Balcony. Continue through the Veneto region to Venice, arriving in the evening. Overnight in Venice.

Day 11 – Venice – Florence
Enjoy a morning city tour of Venice, exploring St. Mark’s Square, St. Mark’s Basilica, the Doge’s Palace exterior, Rialto Bridge and the atmospheric canals. After lunch, depart for Florence, traveling through the scenic Italian countryside into Tuscany. Arrive in Florence and enjoy your first glimpse of its Renaissance treasures. Overnight in Florence.

Day 12 – Florence City Tour
Spend a full day discovering Florence, the birthplace of the Renaissance. Visit the magnificent Duomo, Giotto’s Campanile, Baptistery, Piazza della Signoria, Ponte Vecchio and the historic center. Enjoy time to explore local artisan shops and cafés or visit one of the city’s renowned museums, such as the Uffizi Gallery or Accademia. Overnight in Florence.

Day 13 – Florence – Rome
Continue south through Tuscany and Lazio toward Rome, the Eternal City. Upon arrival, begin exploring its historic center with highlights such as Piazza Navona, the Pantheon, Trevi Fountain and Spanish Steps. Enjoy an evening stroll through Rome’s lively streets and discover its celebrated cafés, restaurants and piazzas. Overnight in Rome.

Day 14 – Rome City Tour
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Rome, including the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Palatine Hill, Circus Maximus and Capitoline Hill. Continue to Vatican City to admire St. Peter’s Basilica and the impressive surrounding square. The afternoon offers time to explore additional Roman landmarks, shop or relax at a traditional trattoria. Overnight in Rome.

Day 15 – Rome – Italian Riviera – Monaco – Nice
Travel northwest along the Italian Riviera, enjoying spectacular Mediterranean scenery and coastal towns. Cross into France and continue to glamorous Monaco. Visit Monte Carlo, see the famous casino area and explore the picturesque surroundings of the principality. Continue along the French Riviera to Nice, arriving in the afternoon for an orientation tour. Overnight in Nice.

Day 16 – Nice – French Mediterranean Coast – Barcelona
Follow the beautiful Mediterranean coastline westward, passing through the French Riviera and crossing into Spain. Continue along the Catalonian coast toward Barcelona. Arrive in the afternoon and enjoy a city tour featuring Las Ramblas, Gothic Quarter, Plaça de Catalunya and the exterior of Gaudí’s spectacular Sagrada Família. Overnight in Barcelona.

Day 17 – Barcelona – AVE High Speed Train - Madrid – Departure
After breakfast, enjoy your remaining free time in Barcelona before taking the high-speed AVE train to Madrid. The comfortable journey provides a fast connection across Spain. Upon arrival in Madrid, transfer to the airport for your departure flight, bringing your grand European journey to an end. Departure from Madrid.

Barcelona – Extra Day/s
Enjoy an additional day in Barcelona according to your preferences. Explore Gaudí’s masterpieces, including Park Güell, Casa Batlló and La Pedrera, or spend time discovering the Gothic Quarter, Barceloneta and the city’s lively food scene. Alternatively, relax by the Mediterranean or visit Montjuïc for panoramic views. Overnight/s in Barcelona.