London to the Mediterranean on a Shoestring

Like history? And art? How about beaches and pubs? Then say hello to Western Europe on this three-week tour of the highlights from London down to Madrid.

See some of the world’s best museums, have lunch under the Eiffel Tower, eat as many tapas as you can handle, and party on Europe’s most coveted beaches with your new group of international friends. This unique route will take you places every traveller should see.

Itinerary

Day 1 London
Meet in London at 6pm before departing for Paris on the Eurostar train.

Day 2 Paris
Picnic in front of the Eiffel Tower; opt to visit Notre Dame Cathedral or explore Montmartre.

Day 3-5 Interlaken
See what's up on an orientation walk through this small city in the Swiss Alps. Opt to get your adrenaline pumping with some hang gliding, canyoning or whitewater rafting, explore a nearby glacier or go swimming in a crystal clear lake. Don't miss the nightlife.

Day 6 Milan
People-watch on an included orientation walk of Milan. Overnight train to Rome.

Day 7-8 Rome
Opt to check out the famous Roman sites from times past like the Colosseum, Roman Forum, Vatican and Pantheon. And don't miss the amazing Italian food, wine and nightlife.

Day 9 Pisa/Italian Riviera
Stop at Pisa en route to the beautiful Italian Riviera. Check out the Leaning Tower before a stroll along the coast.

Day 10 Nice/Monaco
Continue to the French Riviera, and enjoy an included excursion to Monaco.

Days 11-13 Barcelona
Free morning in Nice, then travel by rail to Barcelona, arriving at night. Enjoy an orientation walk along Las Ramblas and stop at the famous Boqueria market. Free time to visit the Gaudí buildings, explore the Gothic Quarter, or chill out at the Barceloneta beach.

Days 14-15 Valencia
Take an orientation walk upon arrival. There is free time to explore this city. Opt to check out the central market, rent a bike to explore the city, and be sure to try the city's famous dish – paella. Overnight bus to Granada.

Day 16 Granada
Enjoy an orientation walk upon arrival. Opt to visit the Alhambra or relax in one of the many hammam baths around town. Enjoy a tapas bar crawl with the group in the evening; first drink's on us.

Day 17 Seville
Visit this thriving university town. Opt to visit the Real Alcázar, a Moorish palace, or take in an evening flamenco show.

Day 18-19 Algarve
Cross into Portugal. Opt to get active with a mountain bike or sea kayaking tour, or relax on the beach.

Day 20-21 Lisbon
Take a train up the coast to Portugal's vibrant capital, and enjoy an orientation walk. Free time to visit Cristo Rei for sweeping views of the area, check out the monuments of the Belem neighbourhood, or relax in a café, watching life go by. Indulge in the town's great nightlife. Overnight bus to Madrid.

Day 22 Madrid
Enjoy Spain's beautiful capital on an orientation walk. Free time to visit its many sites, from art museums to sprawling squares. Opt to spend the final night with the group out on the town. Madrid's nightlife is world renowned!

Day 23 Madrid
Depart at any time.

What's Included

Picnic in front of Eiffel Tower (Paris)
Visit to the Leaning Tower of Pisa
Visit to Monaco
Tapas bar crawl (Granada)
Orientation walks in Interlaken, Milan, Barcelona, Valencia, Granada, Lisbon & Madrid
5 breakfasts, 1 lunch. (Allow EUR 625-900 for meals not included.)
Train, public bus, metro, walking.
Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout.
Small group experience; Max 16, avg 10.
Hostels (19 nts, multi-share), overnight buses (2 nts), overnight train (1 nt).