Iberian Wonders Spain to France Adventure
Set off in Madrid and finish back in Madrid on this eight day journey through Castile, the Basque Country, Bordeaux and the Pyrenees. You’ll explore regal Madrid – with time to add Toledo – then wander Segovia’s UNESCO listed old town and the medieval lanes of Pedraza. Expect to see Bilbao’s striking Guggenheim, historic Guernica and elegant San Sebastián – complete with pintxos, cider tastings and sweeping views from Mount Igueldo. Cross into France for Bordeaux’s handsome riverfront and wine heritage. Continue through mountain scenery to Lourdes – with the evening candlelit procession – pause in Zaragoza’s historic centre and return to the capital.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
MadridMinimum Age
No minimum ageMaximum Age
Tours have upper age limits for several reasons, such as but not limited to: tour pace, activity level, and accommodation standards. If you fall outside of this age limit, we do have lots of other tours in Spain that are suitable for all ages!
Arrival Transfer
YesDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, FrancePassengers
$2,197.25
Tour Style
Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Tour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Group Size
Min 2 / Max 65Range
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
This tour includes scheduled sightseeing with expert guides in key destinations as per the Inclusions, as well as transportation (either with a driver or public transport), plus of course your accommodation. There is no single tour guide or tour leader throughout the trip. You’ll have support where it counts, and more freedom in between. Our cruise tours also fall into this category where you will be looked after by a crew. For more information, check the Inclusions of this tour.
Tour Pace
A balanced pace, with a mix of free time and visits to multiple locations, allowing for both relaxation and exploration. Generally doesn't visit more than one or two destinations per day.
Physical Rating
A moderate amount of walking is required during sightseeing, with some free time, offering a balance between activity and relaxation. As a general rule, you should be able to walk 2-kilometres without stopping.
Trip Type
Large Coach ToursPlaces You'll See
Madrid
Segovia
Pedraza
Bilbao
Guernica
San Sebastián
Bordeaux
Lourdes
Huesca
Zaragoza
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid
Arrival in Madrid – we’ll transfer you to your hotel. In the afternoon we include a panoramic tour to get your bearings, taking in the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain and the Paseo del Prado with its renowned museums. We end at Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy the lively evening atmosphere at your own pace.
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.
Day 2 - Madrid
Enjoy a full free day in Madrid – explore at your own pace, or, if you wish, you can join an optional excursion to the historic city of Toledo.
Day 3 - Madrid - Segovia - Pedraza - Bilbao
We depart Madrid for Castile, crossing mountain landscapes en route to Segovia. We take a scenic loop to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos for wide views of the Alcázar and the city walls, then park near Segovia’s Roman aqueduct – built in the 1st century, in use until 1973 and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have free time to wander the old town, have lunch, and visit Plaza Mayor, the cathedral and the Alcázar.We continue along scenic country roads to Pedraza, a fortified medieval village with cobbled streets, historic houses, a handsome main square and a fortress dating to the 13th century. You have time for a relaxed stroll. In the afternoon we head to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao, where you can explore the Old Town and sample pintxos in its many bars and taverns.
Day 4 - Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastian
After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Bilbao – the largest city in the Basque Country and the region’s main economic and cultural hub – home to the striking Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its distinctive exterior. You then have free time to wander the centre or visit the museum if you wish.After lunch, we travel to Guernica, a town marked by one of the most tragic events of the Spanish Civil War and immortalised by Picasso’s painting. Here you can see the Tree of Guernica, beneath whose branches the Basque Country was granted its autonomy in the Middle Ages.We continue to San Sebastian. On arrival, you have free time to explore the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa – its beaches, grand boulevards and lively Old Town. We then enjoy an included tasting of pintxos with drinks, a hallmark of Basque gastronomy. Afterwards, we head to our hotel, normally located on Mount Igueldo, where you can take in one of the city’s finest views illuminated at night.
Day 5 - San Sebastian - Bordeaux
This morning in San Sebastián, we’ll start by taking in the views over the bay from Mount Igueldo, then you’ll have free time to enjoy the beach or wander the boulevards and Old Town. We’ll visit the Basque Cider Museum – admission and tasting included – to learn about this traditional drink, and we’ll also include a pintxos experience with a drink. In the early afternoon, we cross into France and continue to Bordeaux, arriving at the end of the day. You might like to take an evening stroll through the city centre.
Day 6 - Bordeaux - Lourdes
Morning in Bordeaux, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take in the Water Mirror and explore the historic old town, including its 11th century cathedral. Afterwards, you have free time to stroll the Garonne riverbanks and choose a spot for lunch – or, if you wish, visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum on the history and production of wine. We then continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid afternoon. You have time to visit the sanctuary – we suggest attending the candlelit procession. Dinner is included.
Day 7 - Lourdes - SALLENT DE GALLEGO - Zaragoza - Madrid
Early departure from Lourdes – we cross the Pyrenees among high peaks and mountain scenery. After entering Spain, we stop in Sallent de Gállego for coffee – a historic mountain village with a Gothic church and a medieval stone bridge. We continue to Zaragoza, where there is time for lunch and for you to explore the historic quarter, including the Plaza del Pilar with its cathedral and basilica, where the Virgin of the Pilar is venerated. We then travel on to Madrid, arriving at around 21:00.
Day 8 - Madrid
After breakfast, we bring the tour to a close in Madrid. Our services end after breakfast – check out and continue with your onward arrangements, or enjoy extra time in the city if you have planned to stay on. We hope you leave with lasting memories.
Tour Reviews
Extras and add-ons
If you'd like to add extras or add-ons to your booking, you can do this easily during checkout. Just review the available options and select any additional services or upgrades you'd like before completing your purchase.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation
Extend your tour with us by booking pre and post-accommodation, available at a per-person, per-night rate.
Post-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Madrid
Hotels
The hotels listed below are examples which we frequently use on this tour. Alternative hotels of a similar standard may be used instead.
Confirmation of the hotels used may not be available until 48 hours before the tour departs.
If you are interested in booking pre or post-tour accommodation, here are some of the hotels we typically use.
Prices & Dates
Departure dates are guaranteed with 2 travellers. 'Double/Twin' prices are per person when there are 2 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Single' prices are applicable to anyone wanting the privacy of their own room. 'Triple' prices are per person when there are 3 people on the same booking sharing a room. 'Shared' prices are for solo travellers who are happy to share with another solo traveller of the same sex in a twin room - a single room will be provided at no additional cost if there are no suitable travellers to share with.
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