Spain, France, Essential Italy and Greece +i (2025)

Jour 1

Welcome! Upon arrival, we’ll provide a transfer to the hotel, where you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll receive information about the start of your tour, either in person or through the information signs located at the hotel reception.

Jour 2

Today, we’ll begin with a panoramic tour of Madrid, exploring the lively city center, the beautiful Plaza Mayor, and its grand avenues and fountains. During the tour, we’ll also stroll through the gorgeous Retiro Park, an oasis in the heart of Madrid featuring elegant fountains, scenic promenades, and lush gardens. Additionally, we’ll include admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium home of Real Madrid, considered by many to be the best football club in the world. You’ll have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Plaza Mayor.

Jour 3

After breakfast, we’ll set out for the regions of Castile and the Basque Country. In San Sebastián, you can enjoy a leisurely walk along La Concha beach and savor some wine in the quaint old quarter. You’ll have some time for lunch. We’ll then continue to France, arriving in Bordeaux in the evening. We recommend taking a stroll through the city center.

Jour 4

We’ll journey through the wine and cognac regions to the Loire Valley, where we’ll visit Château de Chambord, arguably the most spectacular castle in the area (admission included). Enjoy free time for lunch before we head to Paris, arriving in the evening.

Jour 5

We’ll immerse ourselves in the rich history of France at the magnificent Palace of Versailles (admission not included), renowned for its stunning gardens. On our return to Paris, we’ll visit Montmartre, where a cable car (included) will take us up to this charming bohemian neighborhood, famous for its artists, painters, and cabarets. To fully appreciate the grandeur of Paris, we’ll embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide, showcasing the city’s impressive avenues and iconic monuments. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel. For those interested, there is an optional variety show in the evening.​

Jour 6

We’ll start our day in central Paris, beginning with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You´ll have the chance to go up to the second floor of this famous iron landmark (tickets included). Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine, which will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.

Jour 7

Today, we’ll journey to the heart of France, passing through the Bourgogne region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines. Our first stop will be Beaune, a charming town in the center of Burgundy known for its flower-filled streets, hospice, and wine museum. After some free time for lunch and a walk, we’ll continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, located on the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where we can enjoy a stunning view of the city. You’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure.Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In these instances, we’ll travel to Chambéry in the evening for an overnight stay. In the morning, you’ll have time to visit this medieval-style city, the capital de la Saboya, known for its beautiful historic center and impressive castle.

Jour 8

We have a wonderful day planned as we travel to Switzerland. In Geneva, our coach will pass by the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and the beautiful English Garden, where we’ll see the famous flower clock and the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After some free time to stroll around this Swiss city on the shores of its lake, we’ll continue our journey toward the Alps, home to the highest peaks in Europe. After, a long tunnel under Mont Blanc will take us into Italy. We’ll arrive in Milan in the afternoon, where our guide will lead us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have time to stroll through the historic center.

Jour 9

We’ll depart from Milan, traveling through the lush plains of the Po River. We’ll arrive in Venice around 1:00 p.m. and take a boat to the St. Mark´s area. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Venice. For a complete experience, consider an optional gondola ride. We’ll be staying in the Mestre area.

Jour 10

Jour 11

Día en FLORENCIA, por la mañana incluimos una visita panorámica de la ciudad durante la cual conoceremos sus principales atractivos. El centro histórico de la ciudad, las bulliciosas plazas, los puentes sobre el río Arno, las compras en sus mercadillos. Sobre las 16:30 h salimos hacia ROMA, llegada al final de la tarde.

Jour 12

We´ll include a scenic tour of the capital of Italy, one of the oldest and most influential cities in Western civilization. You´ll see the Colosseum, the Roman forums, the central squares and fountains, and experience the vibrant life of the city. We´ll finish at St. Peter´s Basilica in the Vatican, an independent microstate within Rome and the center of the Catholic Church, where you´ll be able to visit the basilica and museums.In the evening, we´ll include a transfer to Trastevere, a lively neighborhood known for its charming traditional restaurants.

Jour 13

Enjoy a full day of free time to continue exploring the city. Today, we recommend an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.

Jour 14

Today, we’ll travel toward the Adriatic Sea, passing through the stunning landscapes of the Apennine Mountain range. Our first stop will be the San Giovanni in Venere Abbey, a beautiful 11th-century abbey built on the ruins of an ancient Roman temple. Next, we’ll visit Termoli, a charming coastal city where the beach is framed by the walled old town, with its 13th-century castle and Romanesque cathedral as the main attractions. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch and take a leisurely walk. We’ll then continue to Trani, known as “the pearl of the Adriatic.” This magnificent city embraces the sea and showcases its stunning pink Romanesque cathedral. We’ll arrive in Bari later in the day, where you’ll have some free time to explore the lively port, stroll along the seafront, and wander through the old town’s narrow alleys before heading to the hotel.

Jour 15

After breakfast, we’ll have time to explore the old town of Bari, a port city with a history that predates Roman times. Its narrow streets, churches, and lively atmosphere make it a truly special place. Later, we’ll continue to Brindisi, where we’ll board a modern ferry (scheduled departure at 1:00 p.m.) for our journey across the Ionian Sea. We’ll arrive in Igoumenitsa, Greece, after an 8-hour journey and head to our accommodation.Note: During the ferry journey, you’ll need to keep your luggage with you. If the group is small, you may travel without an accompanying Europamundo guide. A new guide will meet you upon arrival.

Jour 16

After breakfast, we´ll journey through the tall mountains of Epirus to reach Metsovo, a charming Balkan village nestled between mountains. Isolated by rugged terrain, this area retains a unique culture influenced by Slavic and Turkish traditions. Take time to wander its streets lined with traditional stone houses, red tile roofs, and intricately carved wooden balconies. Continuing into Thessaly, we´ll stop in Kastraki, a quaint village offering stunning views of the Meteora Valley. Enjoy lunch before exploring the Meteora, a remarkable World Heritage Site. The name "Metéora" in Greek means "suspended in the air" or "in the sky," aptly describing the towering rock formations crowned with monasteries. These secluded sites have been havens for monks seeking solitude and tranquility for centuries. Our visit includes admission to one of its most renowned monasteries. We´ll end our day in Kalabaka, where dinner will be included.

Jour 17

We’ll journey south through the Thessaly region, where you’ll experience stunning landscapes, before reaching Delphi. Here, we´ll explore the exquisite archaeological site overlooking the Gulf of Corinth, with breathtaking views. There will be time for lunch. Following that, we´ll head to the Hosios Loukas Monastery, renowned as one of the most beautiful Byzantine monasteries in Greece and a World Heritage Site. Its magnificent 11th-century mosaics are truly remarkable. We´ll then continue our journey towards Athens, arriving in the evening.

Jour 18

We´ll embark on a city tour of Athens with a local guide, visiting landmarks such as the Presidential Mansion, the Panathenaic Stadium where the first modern Olympic Games were held, the National Library, and the bustling squares of the city center. We´ll also explore the newer neighborhoods that developed after the 2004 Olympic Games. The tour will conclude at the Acropolis (admission not included). In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to the historical neighborhood of Plaka, renowned for its charming Greek tavernas and opportunities to immerse yourself in the rich folklore of this country.

Jour 19

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.