From Madrid's Royal Sights to Paris's Grandeur

In the morning, you'll have some free time to explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Madrid, taking in some of the city's most renowned sights. You’ll see the grandeur of the Royal Palace, the beautiful Cibeles Fountain, and the cultural hub of Paseo del Prado, home to its illustrious museums. Our city exploration concludes at Plaza Mayor, a lively square where you can savour the vibrant nightlife this captivating city has to offer. No overnight stay is planned for tonight. 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.

Today is yours to enjoy however you choose in Madrid. For those interested, we offer an optional excursion to the historic city of Toledo. Renowned for its rich architectural heritage and vibrant history, Toledo is often referred to as the "City of Three Cultures" due to its significant influences from Christians, Muslims, and Jews throughout the centuries.

Today, we embark on a journey to the heart of Castile, surrounded by breathtaking mountain vistas. Our first destination is Segovia, a city rich in history and charm. As we take a scenic route, we'll arrive at the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, offering an unparalleled view of the Alcazar of Segovia. This stunning fortress, with its formidable walls, is said to have inspired Walt Disney's depiction of Maleficent's castle in Sleeping Beauty. Following this, we’ll park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, an engineering marvel built in the 1st century and now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have leisure time to delve into the old town’s delights, perhaps enjoying lunch in the Plaza Mayor and admiring the cathedral and the Alcazar.Continuing our journey, we traverse quaint roads leading to Pedraza, often regarded as one of Spain's most beautiful villages. This fortified medieval gem boasts cobbled streets, historic buildings, a charming Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century castle. You’ll have some free time to explore this picturesque locale. In the afternoon, we head towards the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. Once there, you’ll have free time to discover the city’s vibrant old town, where you can indulge in the local culinary delight of pintxos at one of the many enticing taverns or bars.

Following breakfast, we embark on a captivating guided tour of Bilbao, where the main attraction is the acclaimed Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its striking modern architecture. We'll explore the vibrant old town, characterised by its bustling streets and historic cathedral. There's ample free time afterwards for you to take a leisurely stroll and enjoy lunch. We recommend visiting La Ribera Market, housed in a unique boat-like structure overlooking the river, where you can savour traditional Basque fare.In the afternoon, our journey continues to Guernica, a town steeped in history as the site of significant devastation during the Spanish Civil War, famously immortalised by Pablo Picasso. Here, you'll witness the Tree of Gernika, a symbol of Basque freedom since the Middle Ages.Next, we move on to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), a charming coastal village known for its beaches, ancient walls, and quaint maritime atmosphere. You'll find the narrow, cobbled streets of its historic centre delightful to explore, with time to enjoy dinner there.We'll round off the day with a scenic drive to San Sebastián, arriving by evening. Typically, our hotel provides stunning views over this elegant, illuminated city from its perch atop Mount Igueldo.

We begin our morning in San Sebastián at the stunning viewpoint of Mount Igueldo, presenting panoramic vistas over the bay. Next, we journey to the graceful Miramar Palace, where you can wander through its charming gardens. Following this, there is leisure time to unwind on the expansive local beach or stroll along the delightful city boulevards. We will then treat you to an authentic Basque experience with traditional pintxos accompanied by a drink. In the early afternoon, our travels take us onward to France, arriving in Bordeaux by the evening. It’s the perfect opportunity to explore the city centre at your own pace.

On day six, we will explore the captivating city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its historic significance. Take in the stunning reflection at the "Water Mirror," and wander through the charming pedestrian streets of the old town, home to the grand 11th-century cathedral. You'll then have some free time to relax along the banks of the Garonne River, where a variety of quaint restaurants offer the perfect spot for lunch. Alternatively, you may choose to visit the Citè du Vin, an impressive interactive museum dedicated to the world of wine. Later, we'll journey towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the sanctuary, and we suggest participating in the serene candlelit procession. Dinner is included, allowing you to savour the moment as the evening unfolds.

As we journey through the south of France, our first stop today is the enchanting city of Carcassonne, renowned for its stunning medieval walls that are among the most picturesque in Europe. You'll have ample time to wander and immerse yourself in the rich history of this fortified city. After enjoying lunch here, we’ll proceed to Narbonne, where you'll have free time to explore this charming city in the Occitanie region, known for its picturesque old town. By late afternoon, we'll arrive in Marseille, France's second-largest city. We recommend a stroll through its lively Vieux-Port, the Old Port area, bustling with vibrant energy and lined with delightful small restaurants ready to tempt your palate.

Today, we journey through the enchanting landscapes and historical treasures of Provence. Our first stop is Arles, a city rich in Roman and medieval history and recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. As we explore, you'll find reminders of the time Vincent van Gogh spent here, inspired by its vibrant light. Next, we'll visit the picturesque medieval village of Les Baux, where admission is included to the superb Carrières de Lumières. Here, an extraordinary show combines art, image, and sound within its historic quarries, creating an unforgettable experience.For lunch, we'll head to Avignon, home to the colossal Palais des Papes. You'll have time to savour local cuisine and wander through this city's charming streets. Our day concludes in Lyon, where we'll explore the World Heritage-listed old town and take a cable car ride up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière. The basilica offers a panoramic vista over the city, wrapping up the day's adventures with an inspiring view. Note that if we're unable to secure tickets for the Carrières de Lumières due to closures or demand, we'll substitute this with a visit to the impressive Roman aqueduct, Pont du Gard.

Leaving Lyon, we journey through the picturesque Burgundy region, first arriving in Tournus. This charming town, noted for its distinctive stone gate and sizeable abbey, provides a delightful start to our day. Continuing onward, we reach Beaune, the renowned wine capital of Burgundy, where you’ll have time to savour lunch and explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting the wine museum or the historic hospital, known as the Hospices de Beaune. Our next destination is the impressive Savigny Castle, nestled in the heart of this wine-producing area. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle is home to an extraordinary collection of museums featuring motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. The day concludes in Dijon, the vibrant capital of Burgundy. Here, enjoy the lively streets and explore the city's well-preserved medieval and Renaissance architecture, including the magnificent Palace of the Dukes.

We will depart from Dijon and head towards the historic Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Admission is included, allowing us to explore this remarkable Cistercian abbey at a leisurely pace. After our visit, we will stop in the captivating medieval town of Semur-en-Auxois, encircled by ancient walls that tell tales of its storied past. Continuing our journey through the Burgundy region, we will have the opportunity to pause for lunch and enjoy a walk in Vézelay. Known as one of France's most picturesque villages, Vézelay is home to a grand basilica that has long been a pilgrimage starting point on the Way of St. James. In the afternoon, we will resume our travels, arriving in Paris by evening.

On this day, we delve into the opulent history of France with a visit to the illustrious Palace of Versailles. Known globally for its exquisite gardens and grand architecture, Versailles offers a peek into the luxurious lifestyle of the French monarchy—please note that entrance fees are not included. Upon returning to Paris, we'll explore the enchanting district of Montmartre. This bohemian quarter is famed for its rich artistic legacy, vibrant painters, and lively cabarets.Our day continues with a guided panoramic tour of Paris, designed to highlight the city's majestic avenues and iconic monuments. As we traverse the capital, you'll gain a deeper appreciation of its charm and history. After the tour, we'll head back to the hotel. For those seeking an extra touch of Parisian flair, there's an optional variety show available in the evening, offering a glimpse into the city's renowned entertainment scene.

In central Paris, we commence our day with a visit to the renowned Eiffel Tower. You will have the chance to ascend to its second floor, offering a fantastic opportunity to take in the stunning views of the city spread below. Afterward, we will embark on a leisurely cruise along the Seine River, lasting around one hour and fifteen minutes. This delightful journey offers a different perspective of Parisian landmarks lining the riverbanks. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, immersing yourself in the vibrant streets and soaking up the city's unique atmosphere at your own pace. Please note, the transfer back to the hotel is not included in the itinerary. Should the queues at the Eiffel Tower prove to be overly lengthy, we may adjust the timetable for this visit to ensure a more enjoyable experience, possibly rescheduling for later or on Sunday.

After savouring breakfast, our journey concludes in Paris. We hope you've gathered a treasure trove of cherished memories from this adventure.