EUROPE TO DISCOVER

After a delicious breakfast, we depart to Verona on a comfortable high-speed train. Famous for William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet, this ancient city was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its artistic wealth and cultural legacy, which fuses Roman, medieval and Renaissance architecture. After checking into our hotel, we have lunch at a sophisticated restaurant. If we feel like tasting local delicacies, we can enjoy the famous risotto all’amarone, prepared exclusively with Vialone Nano rice, a variety native to the region.

Have you ever traveled to an island by train? Today is the day! After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we start our excursion to Venice, also known as the “Queen of the Adriatic”. We arrive in Venice by train, which is not only the most sustainable mode of transport but also the best way to reach the city.

Our first destination is the historic Jewish Quarter, the oldest Jewish ghetto in Europe, established in 1516. Here, we can observe the tall, narrow houses built on multiple levels, and contemplate Tintoretto’s house, whose work transformed the perception of space, light and color throughout Europe. From there, we take a boat to Murano Island, internationally famous for its handcrafted glassmaking, an art passed down through generations and recognized by UNESCO as part of the world’s cultural heritage. We visit an artisan workshop to observe how artisans use traditional techniques dating back centuries in a fascinating spectacle.

After lunch, we take a guided tour of some of the most representative places in Venice. Our first stop is St. Mark’s Square, where we marvel at St. Mark’s Basilica with its golden façade and Byzantine mosaics. We also visit the Doge’s Palace, a symbol of the supreme authority of the ancient Republic of Venice and a masterpiece of Venetian Gothic architecture. Afterward, we pause at the Bridge of Sighs, an elegant covered bridge that connects the Doge’s Palace with the ancient prison of the city: its name evokes the final sighs of those who crossed it to their confinement.  We also have the opportunity to observe the bustle of the Grand Canal from the Rialto Bridge, a perfect spot for taking pictures of the gondolas gliding over the water. We return to Verona to enjoy a delicious dinner at the hotel, while sharing the memories of an unforgettable day.

After breakfast, we set off for the enchanting Lake Como, a glamorous destination that attracts visitors from all over the world with its dreamy landscapes and sophisticated atmosphere. But first, we make an unmissable stop in Milan, where we explore some of its gems.

Our day begins with a visit to the imposing Duomo, the second-largest Gothic cathedral in the world. After touring its interior and stepping onto its terrace, we cross over to the Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, an elegant shopping arcade inaugurated in 1877. With its distinctive glass and iron dome, this gallery is the vibrant heart of Milanese fashion and social life. We then pass by the iconic La Scala Theater, which has been the center of Italian opera and where great musical masters such as Verdi and Puccini have inscribed their legacy.

After a break to enjoy a regional lunch, we continue our way to Mogno, where we visit the Church of San Giovanni Battista, a masterpiece by Mario Botta. Built in local marble and granite, this modern church, inaugurated in 1990, replaces the original one destroyed by an avalanche in 1986.

We return through the valley, heading for Lucerne, our next destination. Weather permitting, we will cross the historic Gotthard Pass, 2,019 meters above sea level. This legendary alpine pass offers spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and deep winding valleys. As we descend, the landscape, architecture, and language change: we are already in Lucerne, a canton of Switzerland where Swiss-German is spoken. We arrive at our hotel in the city, where a comforting dinner awaits us to end the day in the best way.

After a delicious breakfast, we prepare for a day filled with history, art, and gastronomy in the captivating city of Lucerne. The day begins with a private tour in the old town, where every corner tells stories of centuries past.

Our first stop is the iconic Kapellbrücke, Europe’s oldest covered wooden bridge, built in 1332 and still in operation today. Along its structure, 17th century pictorial panels narrate key episodes in the history of the country and the city, as well as the lives of the city’s patron saints. Next to the bridge stands the imposing Water Tower, a landmark that defines the landscape of the old town. Crossing the Reuss River, we discover the historic town hall. The tour continues to one of Lucerne’s most moving landmarks: The Monument to the Wounded Lion. This majestic sculpture, created by Bertel Thorvaldsen, commemorates the sacrifice of the 700 brave members of the Swiss Guard who defended the Tuileries Palace during the French Revolution. To end the tour, we visit a pharmacy… But not just any pharmacy, but the oldest in the city! It is the Alte Suidtersche Apotheke, in operation since 1833, which invites us on a journey through time with its shelves full of potions and medieval ornaments.

After a well-deserved lunch break, we dive into the Lindt Experience. Guided by a Master Chocolatier, we will make our own chocolate bars and pralines, creating authentic works of art for the palate. In the evening, another unique culinary experience awaits us on Lake Lucerne. As we cruise the tranquil waters, we enjoy an unforgettable dinner celebrating the best of Swiss cuisine. Accompanied by nighttime views of the lake and mountains, it is the perfect closing to this day full of unforgettable moments. We go back to the hotel to rest and prepare for new adventures.

After enjoying a delicious breakfast in Lucerne, we begin our journey to Freiburg im Breisgau, Germany, in comfortable private transportation. This city, recognized as the most sustainable in the world, is the gateway to the Black Forest, a paradisiacal mountainous region full of nature and traditions. On the way, we make a stop at the stunning Rhine Falls, the largest waterfall in Europe. Here, the roar of the waters surrounds us while we contemplate this spectacle from a boat that invites us to enjoy with all our senses (available from April to October, the rest of the year, contemplation from panoramic walkways).

With our spirits refreshed by the coolness of the waterfalls, we continue to Freiburg, where we arrive in time to enjoy lunch in the charming Cathedral Square. The local gastronomy, influenced by both German and French traditions, invites us to try delicacies such as Flädlesuppe (soup with strips of pancakes), Maultäschle in Zwiebelschmelze (ravioli stuffed with minced meat with spinach and spices, topped with roasted onions) and Spätzle (homemade pasta).

In the afternoon we explore the historic center of this vibrant city surrounded by the spectacular scenery of the Black Forest. Freiburg Cathedral, with its Gothic tower dominating the skyline, along with its colorful medieval stained-glass windows, transports us to another era. As we stroll through the cobblestone streets of the old town, we discover the Bächle, small water channels that meander whimsically along the houses. We also stop at the Town Hall Square, with its old and new town halls, perfect synthesis of tradition and modernity coexisting. We conclude the day immersed in the dynamic atmosphere of this university city before heading back to the hotel to rest and prepare for new adventures.

After a delicious breakfast, we enter the Black Forest, a region that offers dreamlike landscapes reminiscent of the fairy tales of our childhood. This is no coincidence: the dense forests and picturesque villages inspired the most famous stories of the Brothers Grimm, such as Hansel and Gretel and Snow White.

We begin our exploration of the region at the idyllic Lake Titisee. Surrounded by green hills and lush forests, this glacial lake invites us to walk along its tranquil shores and admire the reflection of the mountains in its waters. Then we head to Triberg, where we visit its impressive waterfall and the world’s largest cuckoo clock. Here, we delve into the fascinating history behind the craftsmanship of these iconic timepieces, which have become symbols of the region.

For lunch, we have the opportunity to taste the famous Schwarzwälder Kirschtorte, the iconic Black Forest cake, accompanied by a good cup of coffee or traditional Kirsch liqueur. In the afternoon, we visit the charming town of Calw, known for its historic buildings and for being the birthplace of writer and Nobel Prize winner Hermann Hesse. We stroll through its old town, surrounded by half-timbered houses that transport us to another era.

The day ends with a thrilling experience in Bad Wildbad, a paradise for nature lovers. We ascend the historic Sommerberg funicular, one of the oldest in Germany, offering panoramic views of the lush forests. At the top, we explore the Treetop Walk, a wooden walkway elevated 20 meters above the ground. Then, we head to Strasbourg to enjoy dinner at the hotel, filled with unforgettable memories inspired by the magical and rejuvenating spirit of the Black Forest.

A delicious breakfast is the best way to start this day, dedicated to Strasbourg, a city where French and German influences intertwine in architecture and culinary traditions. With an expert guide, we begin our tour of Petite France, where cobblestone streets wind between the wooden houses. The Rue du Bain-aux-Plantes transports us back to the time of the tanners, with its open roofs designed for drying hides, while the Swing Bridge, with its graceful movement, pauses time to remind us that in Strasbourg, everything has its own rhythm. If we’re lucky, we might see it in action!

At noon, we have a lunch break at a Winstub, a typical restaurant. The menu invites us to savor Alsatian classics such as Bäckeoffe (a marinated meat stew with potatoes and vegetables), Choucroute (an explosion of flavors between sauerkraut and sausages), Grumbeerekiechle (crispy potato pancakess) or the delicate Bibeleskäs (fresh cheese with a touch of garlic and fine herbs).

In the afternoon we visit the Strasbourg Cathedral, a visual spectacle that left Victor Hugo speechless and surely us too. In the Place du Château, opposite the majestic temple, we find the Rohan Palace, a haven of luxury and power that hosted cardinals, kings, and emperors. To learn about the winemaking tradition of this region, we visit the Historic Cellar of the Hospices, a place where time is kept in barrels. Among its treasures, a white wine dating from 1472, the oldest in the world, stands out. We return to Strasbourg for dinner and rest at our hotel.

Today, we bid farewell to charming Strasbourg to embark on a journey that takes us to Brussels, with a stop in Luxembourg. This tiny country, covered with forests, castles and vineyards, has managed to preserve its unique character, and we are about to discover it.

Our first stop is the trendy Kirchberg district, home to some of the European Union’s main institutions, such as the Court of Justice. Here we enjoy the local cuisine, with the option to indulge in dishes such as Judd mat Gaardebounen (smoked pork with broad beans) or Bouneschlupp (a comforting green bean and potato soup). For dessert, you cannot miss the Quetschentaart, a plum cake traditional in this region.

Later, we walk through the old town, recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Here we stroll along the Corniche, one of the most beautiful balconies in Europe. From this spectacular viewpoint, we enjoy unparalleled views of the lower town and the valley of the Alzette River, which meanders between impressive cliffs. Next, we enter the Bock Casemates, a network of underground tunnels that extend for 23 kilometers and date back to the 17th century. These rock-hewn fortresses served as military refuges for centuries, including during World War II, earning Luxembourg its nickname “the Gibraltar of the North”. In summer, we can visit the Grand Ducal Palace, the official residence of the Grand Duke. Then, we rest in the Pétrusse Park and visit the iconic monument Gëlle Fra or golden lady, inaugurated in 1923 and rebuilt after the Nazi occupation of Luxembourg. Today, it is a national symbol representing peace and freedom, paying tribute to the Luxembourgish volunteers who served during World War I.

We arrive in Brussels just in time for dinner. A delicious Belgian meal awaits us, with options such as moules-frites (mussels with fries) or waterzooi, a fish or chicken stew, perfect to close a day full of discoveries.

Today, an exciting tour of Belgium’s vibrant capital awaits us: Brussels is one of Europe’s most cosmopolitan cities and the political center of the European Union, where some of the world’s most important institutions, such as the European Parliament and the European Commission, are located.

To start our day, we drive to the Atomium, one of the most famous structures in the city, built for the 1958 World Exposition. In the city center, we arrive at the Grand Place, the historic heart of Brussels, surrounded by majestic Baroque and Gothic buildings. We visit the interior of the Town Hall, a masterpiece of the Brabantine Gothic style.

After a lunch break, we head to the Manneken Pis, Brussels’ most famous child. This iconic statue, dating from 1619, has been the symbol of local irreverence for centuries: his mischievous character and small stature have made him an endearing figure for the city’s inhabitants and visitors. We then visit the Royal Galleries Saint-Hubert, one of Brussels’ oldest and most elegant shopping centers, once frequented by Victor Hugo and Charles Baudelaire. Later, we head to see a unique mural in the city: the painting of Tintin. Next, we visit the imposing Cathedral of St. Michael and St. Gudula, an outstanding example of Gothic architecture, famous for its stained-glass windows and majestic structure. We return to our hotel for dinner and rest.

After breakfast, we embark on a day full of charm, exploring two of Flanders’ most iconic cities: Ghent and Bruges. We begin in Ghent, a historic university city that was one of Europe’s most powerful in the Middle Ages and still preserves its architectural splendor. Our first stop is the Castle of the Counts of Flanders, an imposing medieval fortress located in the center of the city. Afterward, we visit the Vrijdagmarkt Square, one of the most emblematic squares in the city.

Here, we have time to enjoy lunch before strolling along Graffitistraat, a colorful street covered with graffiti. From there, we walk to the Korenmarkt, an important square surrounded by medieval and Renaissance buildings, where the imposing Church of St. Nicholas stands. This masterpiece of Scheldt Gothic leaves no one indifferent with its towering columns and maximum attention to detail. Finally, we finish our tour with a photogenic walk along the Graslei Pier, one of the most photographed corners of the city, next to the Lys River.

After exploring Ghent, we head to Bruges, the most important port city in Europe until the 15th century. To immerse ourselves in the city’s medieval past, we visit the Main Square, the heart of Bruges, dominated by the majestic Belfort Bell Tower and other emblematic buildings. We continue our visit with a tour of the Basilica of the Holy Blood, an important place of worship famous for housing a relic that, according to tradition, contains a sample of the blood of Christ. Next, we head to the Church of Our Lady, known for housing Michelangelo’s famous sculpture of The Madonna and Child. As we walk along the canals, we understand why Bruges is also known as the “Venice of the North”. We stop to take pictures while admiring the picturesque bridges and the delicate facades of the houses along the water. We head back to Brussels for dinner and rest.

After a hearty breakfast, we visit one of France’s most iconic landmarks: the Palace of Versailles, Europe’s most opulent royal residence and a symbol of absolute monarchy. We begin with the Royal Chapel, a place of great importance for the court, where royal masses were celebrated. We continue to the King’s Apartments, where we admire the luxury of the royal rooms. Then we tour the Hall of Mirrors, one of the most important places in the palace, since the Treaty of Versailles was signed here in 1919, marking the end of World War I. We admire the splendid tapestries, the gilded moldings and the frescoes that adorn the ceiling, which covers an area of 1,000 m2. Our tour then takes us to the Queen’s Apartments, where we can discover Marie Antoinette’s private quarters. We then head to the Gardens of Versailles, a sublime example of the principles of French landscape design.

After a delicious lunch, we return to Paris and, as night falls, an exceptional evening awaits us. We enjoy dinner on an elegant cruise on the Seine, where we delight in the exquisite French cuisine while sailing under the moonlight, contemplating the most emblematic monuments of the city. After this magical river cruise, we return to the hotel for a well-deserved rest, concluding a day of unforgettable experiences.

After breakfast at the hotel, we bid farewell to Paris, bringing our unforgettable journey to an end. We leave the city with a heart full of indelible memories and the certainty that the magic of Europe will always call us back. Private transfer to the airport and end of our services.