European Dream / 11 Days Tour

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Madrid city tour. Visit to the Plaza de Toros de las Ventas bullring. Stroll through the Retiro Park. 
This morning, experience the city on a guided tour, which showcases the city’s vibrant centre, the beautiful Plaza Mayor (Main Square), its broad and magnificent avenues and its many fountains. (Note: if groups have fewer than fifteen travellers, it can be given in both English and Spanish.) Our tour includes a visit to see inside the PLAZA DE TOROS DE LAS VENTAS, a fine-looking building. Here we learn about the tradition of “corridas” (meaning “running with the bulls”) in the Bullfighting Museum. Also the day includes a walking tour of the beautiful Retiro Park, enhanced by the lake and Crystal Palace. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon. If you wish, there is an optional visit to the ROYAL PALACE. At sunset we provide transfers to the Plaza de Oriente in the historic centre of Madrid, opposite the Royal Palace. In this area there are many restaurants serving different exquisite cuisines (Indian, Middle Eastern, Muslim, Spanish, Inter­national). Return to hotel. 

TODAY´S HIGHLIGHTS: Basílica del Pilar. Evening trans­fers to Maremagnum in Barcelona. 
We depart early in the morning from Madrid. Heading towards Aragón, we pause our journey in Zaragoza. Our guide will join the group to Basílica del Pi­lar. We visit this impressive sanctuary. Directly afterwards, the group will have free time in the city centre. Later, we make our way to Cataluña. We will be able to admire the impressive rocky landscapes while passing Montserrat Monas­tery. On arrival, we shall learn about Cata­luña. Barcelona. We provide transfers to Plaza de Colón and Maremagnum, a place that’s full of life and activities right next to the sea. This is where the most innovative spirit of the city blends with its deep historic character. We will guide you on where to eat right in the heart of this district. Classic Spanish food can be found, and also Indian, Chinese, Spanish and Middle Eastern restaurants. Return to the hotel.

TODAY´S HIGHLIGHTS: Barcelona city tour. “Spanish Village” visit. We will travel on a high-speed train. 
Today we will get to know Barcelona, an impressive city right on the Medi­terranean Sea. Our visit includes an informative city tour with a local expert. We also visit the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neigh­bourhood 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; the masterpiece basilica by architect Gaudí. 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. After  we arrange a transfer (included) to the train station. We travel on a high-speed train. (Note: A guide will only travel on the train ride if the group has over 20 passengers.) The train is quite comfortable and it is an enjoyable trip through wonderful landscapes. On several occasions our train will reach speeds of around 300km/h (186m/h). The train journey takes 6½ hours. Arrival in Paris and transfer to hotel.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: City tour of Paris. Boat ride along the Seine. Climb to the second floor of the Eiffel Tower. Evening transfers. 
A scenic guided tour to discover the history, main boulevards and the breathtaking monuments of Paris. We end the visit at the Eiffel Tower area. You will have the opportunity to climb up to the second floor of this remarkable metal monument. End your visit with 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. At sunset enjoy dinner (not incluided) at Gare du Nord, the neighbourhood that is home to Paris’s Indian community. A wide variety of international cuisines await you. Return to hotel.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Visit a Champagne-producing winery. Boat trip through Stras­bourg. 
Set off to the Champagne wine region. Take in the picturesque villages and vineyards en route to Epernay, where we shall visit a Champagne chateau. Continue onwards towards Strasbourg. We take a cruise through this im­pressive city, highlighting its culture and architecture that blends German and French influences, taking in the famous Gothic Notre Dame Cathedral. Strasbourg is the seat of the European Parliament. At the end of the day we discover the charming “Petite France” (Little France) area, which is full of exquisite restaurants (French, Indian, Oriental, and so on). Return to hotel.  

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: We visit one of the most beautiful villages in Germany. Visit to former Nazi concentration camp. 
Today we travel to Germany, where we visit one of the loveliest towns along the Romantic Road. Next stop: Nordlingen, where fairy tales become reality. We continue through the region of Bavaria to Dachau. Here we visit the museum of the first Nazi concentration camp in Germany. In the evening we reach Munich, the capital of Bavaria, home to centu­ries-old buildings and numerous museums. Dinner in the city’s central concourse, surrounded by restaurants, cafes and traditional German breweries. Return to hotel.

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHT: Visit to BMW automobile museum. Neuschwanstein Castle in Fussen. We travel along extremely beautiful minor roads. 
Begin the day with a visit to the fantastic and futuristic BMW museum; which showcases what are perhaps the most prestigious cars in Europe. We continue our journey through the Alps. Soon we reach areas of magnificent scenery. En route, make a stop in Fussen, a small picturesque mountain town. Here we visit the Neushwanstein Castle, this building was the in­spiration for Disney’s Castle in Sleeping Beauty. We then arrive in Austria. INNSBRUCK. Here, we stroll through the historic city centre. Finish your day at the Inn River area, and choose your favourite restaurant to enjoy a lovely dinner (e.g. Indian, Italian, Austrian, etc.).

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Glass Museum visit. Visit to Heidi’s village. Journey through beautiful landscapes. 
We begin our day with a visit to the Swarovski Museum, the so-called home of crystals. Enjoy the scenery of the Austrian Tyrol en route to the tiny country of LICHTENSTEIN. We enjoy some free time in Vaduz, the capital. After that we travel to Maienfeld, the place that inspired one author to write the Heidi novel. After a stroll through the compact historic centre, we visit Heidi’s house (site admission price not included, free reception area), situated in a highly picturesque setting in the countryside, which we access via a footpath. We continue to Zurich. Enjoy an evening in the historic centre, next to the lake, where you can dine at your favourite restaurant (Indian, Oriental, Italian, International, Swiss, etc.). 

TODAY’S HIGHLIGHTS: Ascend via cable car up to Trubsee and admire the fantastic landscapes. 
Take a stroll through the pretty village of Engelberg. Ride by cable car up to Trübsee, a ski resort covered by snow all year round. You can hike along the trails by the lake, or if you wish, you can continue by cable car to the top of TITLIS (with its glaciers and snow all year round) . After that we continue to Lucerna, one of the most beautiful cities in Switzerland. Returning to the heart of Zurich, enjoy an evening at the city’s most popular restaurants (Indian, Oriental, Middle Eastern, Swi, etc.).

After breakfast, end of our services.