Essential Europe

This vibrant city, also known as the "City of Counts," nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, is renowned for Gaudí’s modernist architecture, the bustling Ramblas, and its rich history, marked by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics hosted here. Barcelona is renowned as one of the most beautiful and fascinating European capitals. We’ll see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc with its Olympic facilities, and Plaza de España. We’ll make a stop in Sagrada Familia to admire the exterior of the monument. The tour will end in La Rambla, where you can stroll through the historic Gothic Quarter. After the city tour, our guide will offer an optional visit to Gaudí’s masterpiece and symbol of the city: Sagrada Familia. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.

Here, we´ll visit the Roman amphitheater, the best-preserved in France, and explore quaint Provençal Romanesque churches. We´ll also reflect on Van Gogh, the Dutch painter who brilliantly captured the unique light of southern France during his most creative period. You´ll have time to stroll around and enjoy lunch.

Arrival in this vibrant and elegant city, the capital of the French-speaking region of Switzerland. Located on the shores of Lake Geneve, it is home to the headquarters of numerous international organizations. By bus, we´ll pass by the Palais des Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and, accompanied by our tour guide we´ll arrive at the lovely English Garden with its floral clock, and admire the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe.

We´ll have time for lunch here. Nearby, there are some of Switzerland´s major chocolate factories, including Nestlé. Our tour includes admission to the Maison Cailler Chocolate Factory, where you’ll enjoy a sweet tasting experience!

From its terraces, you´ll enjoy panoramic views of the alpine landscapes. You can also walk across the suspended bridge connecting two mountain peaks, explore the Ice Cathedral, or enjoy activities in the Fun Park.

You´ll have time to explore this charming city on the banks of the Rhine, renowned for its medieval streets, half-timbered houses and canals that blend French and German influences. Today, Strasbourg is home to several EU institutions, symbolizing the cooperation and unity of its people.

Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (admission not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.

Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre, a bohemian artists’ district where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.

This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.

We’ll head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges. This journey lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you’ll have some free time.

We’ll board the ferry to cross into the United Kingdom at around 12:30 p.m. and go through customs and border checks. The ferry journey lasts approximately one and a half hours. You’ll travel on a modern ferry equipped with all the amenities, including restaurants, bars, lounges, game rooms, currency exchange, and shops. 01:30 p.m. (02:30 p.m. in France) - Dover. Upon arrival, we’ll disembark and make our way to Canterbury. Please note that this schedule is indicative, and the actual arrival time may vary depending on ferry availability.

Enjoy dinner at a restaurant of your choice, offering options such as Indian, Chinese, Thai, or international cuisine. After dinner, we’ll return to the hotel.

We’ll start with a stop in front of the windmill and Rembrandt statue; one of the most picturesque windmills in the Netherlands. We’ll continue past the RAI Convention Center, crossing through the southern part of the city, Amsterdam´s most exclusive area. Next, we’ll stop at Museum Square to learn about the diamond-cutting technique at the Diamond Museum. Afterward, we’ll head toward the Amstel River, entering the old Jewish Quarter with its Holocaust Memorial and the Portuguese Synagogue, followed by the old harbor and the Maritime Museum. The tour ends at the Central Station and you have free afternoon. Our guide will give you directions so you can continue enjoying the city, its famous canals, and beautiful cafés.