Discover Enchanting Spain and France

After a leisurely morning in Madrid, the afternoon offers a captivating panoramic tour of the city. We will explore iconic landmarks including the grand Royal Palace, the striking Cibeles Fountain, and the Paseo del Prado, lined with renowned museums. The tour concludes at the historic Plaza Mayor, a vibrant hub where you can delve into the lively nightlife or savour local delicacies in nearby eateries. Please note: This tour may have travellers joining or departing at various points along the route, meaning group composition can change during the tour. Please also be aware that depending on group composition, guiding may be in additional languages as well as English.

On Day 2, the day is entirely your own to explore the vibrant city of Madrid at your leisure. However, should you wish to delve deeper into Spain's historical charm, we offer an optional excursion to the ancient city of Toledo. Known for its rich cultural tapestry and well-preserved medieval architecture, Toledo promises a captivating journey back in time. Discover its winding alleyways, stunning cathedral, and the legacy of its three major religions—Christianity, Islam, and Judaism—that have left an indelible mark on its landscape. Enjoy the freedom to shape your day according to your interests, whether remaining in Madrid or venturing out to this historic gem.

On Day 3, we travel through the scenic landscapes of Castile, with our first stop in the historic city of Segovia. Here, we'll take a picturesque journey around the city to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos. This viewpoint offers stunning vistas of the Alcazar of Segovia, a fortress that inspired Walt Disney's design of Maleficent's castle in Sleeping Beauty. You'll also admire Segovia's impressive medieval walls. Afterwards, we'll park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, an architectural marvel from the 1st century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site until its use in 1973. You're free to explore the charming old town at your leisure, perhaps visiting the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, and the Alcazar, while also having ample time for lunch. We then continue our journey along charming rural roads that showcase the unique towns and landscapes on our way to Pedraza. Widely recognised as one of Spain's most picturesque villages, this well-preserved medieval town boasts cobblestone streets, historic edifices, a lovely Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century fortress. Here, you'll have some time to wander around and soak up the atmosphere. In the afternoon, we proceed to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. Explore the old town at your own pace, and perhaps visit some of the numerous inviting taverns and bars to savour the renowned pintxos before the day concludes.

Following breakfast, we'll embark on a guided tour of Bilbao, where the highlight is the Guggenheim Museum, known for its stunning architectural design. We'll explore the old town, the city's medieval centre, with its bustling streets and cathedral. After the tour, you'll have some leisure time to enjoy a stroll and lunch, with a recommendation to visit La Ribera Market. Situated in a unique boat-like structure overlooking the river, the market is an excellent place to try traditional Basque dishes.After lunch, we'll set off for Guernica, a town steeped in history as the site of a profound tragedy during the Spanish Civil War, famously captured in Picasso's painting. Here, you'll witness the Tree of Gernika, where the Basque Country's autonomy was historically recognised in the Middle Ages.Our journey continues to the coastal town of Hondarribia, a place rich in maritime atmosphere, featuring scenic beaches, ancient walls, and a historic centre. You'll have time to wander the charming cobbled streets of the old town and enjoy dinner.In the evening, we'll head to San Sebastián, reaching our hotel, typically situated atop Mount Igueldo. This location offers sweeping views of the elegantly illuminated cityscape, a fitting end to a day packed with history and culture.

This morning, we shall enjoy the spectacular vistas over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, where the panorama is simply breath-taking. Our next stop is the Miramar Palace, surrounded by delightful gardens that are perfect for a leisurely stroll. You have some free time to relax on the expansive city beach or wander along the charming boulevards at your own pace. We will savour a traditional Basque pintxo experience, complemented by a refreshing drink. Early in the afternoon, we will depart for France, arriving in Bordeaux by evening. Discover the heart of this vibrant city with a recommended walk through its captivating centre.

On Day 6, we begin our morning in Bordeaux, a city renowned for its entire centre, which is designated as a World Heritage Site. You can explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and admire the 11th-century cathedral. Don’t miss the captivating "Water Mirror," a unique feature of the city. You’ll have free time to wander along the banks of the Garonne River, where many quaint restaurants await, offering delightful options for lunch. If you're interested in wine, you might wish to visit the Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine. In the afternoon, we journey onwards to the picturesque Pyrenees, reaching Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to visit the renowned sanctuary. We highly recommend attending the atmospheric candlelit procession. Dinner is included, allowing you to relax and reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, we will journey through the picturesque south of France, beginning with a visit to the medieval city of Carcassonne. Known for its remarkable fortifications, considered among the most beautiful in Europe, Carcassonne offers the perfect setting for a leisurely stroll, allowing you to explore its historic charm. After enjoying some free time to discover this enchanting city, we will continue our travels to Narbonne, a historic Occitan city. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to wander through its quaint old town at your own pace. In the late afternoon, we’ll reach Marseille, France’s vibrant second-largest city. We recommend spending your evening exploring the lively Vieux-Port, where a host of charming restaurants await you amidst the bustling atmosphere.

Today, we will immerse ourselves in the captivating region of Provence. Our adventure begins in Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne and a city adorned with elegant fountains, charming narrow streets, and picturesque squares. Here, you'll have time to explore its beautiful historic centre. Our journey then takes us to Avignon, once the seat of the Catholic popes and famously referred to as the "second Rome." Here, you can enjoy a leisurely walk through this walled city perched on the banks of the Rhône and savour a delightful lunch. The imposing Palace of the Popes stands as a grand testament to its illustrious past. We will also visit the splendid Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is included to this iconic structure, considered one of the world's best-preserved Roman monuments. As our day unfolds, we journey towards Catalonia, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona by evening.

Our day in Barcelona begins with a captivating city tour. As we explore, you'll experience why this energetic metropolis, poised along the Mediterranean, is deemed one of Europe's most intriguing capitals. Renowned for the modernist wonders of Gaudí, the lively atmosphere of Las Ramblas, and a rich tapestry of history—marked by events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics—Barcelona offers a delightful mix of experiences. The afternoon is yours to explore at leisure, perhaps delving deeper into the city's cultural or culinary delights. In the evening, we will take you to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining hub by the sea, conveniently situated near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely evening stroll with a wide variety of dining options to choose from, amidst the vibrant seaside surroundings.

As we journey southwards along the Mediterranean coastline, our first stop will be at the delightful seaside town of Peñíscola. This charming walled town, set amidst stunning landscapes, invites you for a leisurely stroll through its enchanting streets. After soaking in the coastal ambience, we continue to the bustling port city of Valencia, situated on the Levantine Coast, where we will arrive around lunchtime. Here, you might wish to savour the local delicacy—Valencian paella. In the late afternoon, at approximately 4:30 pm, our adventure heads towards Madrid. On the way, we pause at the City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel in Valencia, renowned for its futuristic design. We anticipate arriving in Madrid between 8:30 and 9:00 pm. Depending on the number of travellers, the final leg from Valencia to Madrid may be via high-speed train.

Following breakfast, our adventure concludes, leaving you with treasured memories of a truly remarkable journey.