Enchanting Journey Barcelona to Paris

As your adventure begins in Barcelona, we embark on a journey across northern Catalonia. Our first stop is Girona, a city rich in history and cultural depth. Here, you'll have the opportunity to wander through its historic centre, where the past comes alive amidst medieval architecture. We recommend a visit to the Cathedral of Saint Mary with its awe-inspiring Gothic design. Don't miss the old Jewish quarter, renowned for its narrow and enchanting streets.Next, we travel to Besalú, a delightful medieval town where you can enjoy a leisurely lunch. Explore its fascinating streets, admire the formidable stone bridge, and visit notable sites like the Jewish baths and the ancient pilgrim hospital. After our time in Besalú, we drive into French Catalonia, pausing in the picturesque coastal town of Collioure. Here, you might choose to relax on the beach, explore the quaint port and winding alleys, or visit the castle, which was constructed on an ancient Roman military camp and once hosted the court of the Kings of Mallorca. You may also wish to seek out the tomb of the celebrated poet, Antonio Machado.As evening approaches, we reach Carcassonne, Europe’s premier fortified city. You may opt to take a stroll at night to appreciate the beautifully illuminated fortifications and perhaps enjoy dinner in one of the charming restaurants within the Citadel. This marks the end of a captivating first day, setting the tone for an engaging and enriching journey ahead. 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.

We begin our day in the enchanting city of Carcassonne. Accompanied by our guide, we explore the impressive Castle of the Counts, with admission included, and meander around the medieval walls. After soaking up the history and charm, you will have some free time to explore this fascinating city at your own pace. Following a leisurely lunch, we set off for Narbonne, where you will have the opportunity to discover this delightful Occitan city and its picturesque historic centre. As evening approaches, we arrive in Marseille, France's second-largest city. We recommend a stroll through the bustling Vieux Port, celebrated for its vibrant atmosphere and an array of quaint restaurants where you might choose to enjoy dinner.

Today, we'll immerse ourselves in the picturesque region of Provence, known for its captivating villages, breathtaking scenery, and rich history. Our journey begins in Arles, a city recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Here, we will delve into its Roman and medieval past, a landscape once embraced by the artist Van Gogh. Next, we travel to the medieval village of Les Baux and experience the Carrières de Lumières – an extraordinary underground show within old quarries, blending art, images, and sound. You'll have time to explore Avignon at leisure, where the impressive Palais des Papes, a symbol of the city's historical significance, awaits. Later, we head to Lyon, where we'll explore the charming old town, designated a World Heritage Site, before taking a cable car ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière. This magnificent basilica offers panoramic views of the city. Should the Carrières de Lumières be unavailable, we will instead visit the remarkable Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.

Starting our day in the charming city of Lyon, we will journey into the heart of the Burgundy region. Our first stop is the picturesque town of Tournus, renowned for its impressive stone gateway and magnificent abbey – a fine example of Romanesque architecture. Continuing to Beaune, the wine capital of Burgundy, you will have time to savour the delights of this historic city over lunch. We suggest visiting either the renowned wine museum or exploring the historic hospice, both of which offer a unique insight into the region’s rich vinicultural heritage.Our exploration then leads us to the Savigny Castle, nestled amid the vineyards. Built in the 15th century, this castle is an unexpected treasure trove, home to fascinating museums featuring collections of motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Finally, we will proceed to Dijon, the illustrious capital of Burgundy, where you will find lively streets filled with a multitude of medieval and Renaissance buildings. The Palace of the Dukes stands out as a particularly splendid landmark to explore during your free time.

On Day 5 of our journey, we remain in the Burgundy region and commence with a visit to Besançon. Known for its Roman origins, this city boasts a captivating historic centre and a striking 17th-century citadel perched above the town. We then venture onward to the Alsace region, a culturally rich area exchanged between France and Germany over the centuries. Here, you will find Alsatian, a German dialect still spoken, and architecture reminiscent of its Germanic heritage.Our first Alsatian stop is Colmar, renowned for its distinctive architecture, colourful half-timbered houses, and meandering canals. Colmar's gastronomy, particularly its white wine, is a highlight to savour during your lunch break and a stroll through its enchanting streets. In the afternoon, we visit Riquewihr, a picturesque medieval town whose cobblestone streets and vibrant houses are reminiscent of a fairy tale setting. This town served as inspiration for scenes in "Beauty and the Beast." During our visit, we will explore an old winery and partake in a tasting of local wine paired with a traditional sweet treat. As evening approaches, we arrive in Strasbourg. We suggest taking a walk around the cathedral area and the charming Petite France, where you can soak up the atmosphere and enjoy dinner at one of the cosy local restaurants.

We'll immerse ourselves in Strasbourg, the charming capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. The city's historic centre is a true delight, featuring medieval streets, an impressive Gothic cathedral, and quaint canals adorned with flowers. We'll embark on a scenic boat trip through the canals of Petite France—a highlight of any visit to Strasbourg.Our travels then take us to the renowned Champagne region. Here, we'll delve into the art of champagne-making with a visit to a traditional cellar, offering a guided tour and a tasting session of the world’s most celebrated sparkling wine. Following this, we’ll make a short stop in Épernay, often heralded as the capital of Champagne. Take some time for a leisurely walk through this delightful town, celebrated for its illustrious wineries. We'll continue on to Paris, reaching the French capital in the evening, ready for the adventures that lie ahead.

As your memorable journey concludes in Paris, you'll enjoy a final breakfast together, reminiscing about the incredible experiences shared throughout the tour. As you depart, take with you wonderful memories of a captivating adventure filled with diverse cultures, rich histories, and beautiful landscapes. Safe travels onward!