Barcelona to Paris Medieval Marvels Unveiled

On day one, we commence our journey through northern Catalonia with a visit to Girona. This city invites us to explore its remarkable historic centre, where medieval architecture stands testimony to Roman, Arab, and Hebrew influences. We recommend exploring the Cathedral of Saint Mary, a magnificent Gothic structure perched in the city's upper reaches, and roaming the narrow, picturesque lanes of the old Jewish quarter. Our adventure continues as we travel to the enchanting medieval town of Besalú. Here, you have time to enjoy lunch and delve into its charming streets, admire the fortified stone bridge, explore the castle and Jewish baths, and visit the historic pilgrim hospital. After lunch, we proceed into French Catalonia, pausing in Collioure, a delightful seaside town. You can relax on its scenic beach, meander through the port and quaint alleys, and visit the striking castle that once served as the court for the kings of Mallorca. If interested, consider visiting the tomb of poet Antonio Machado. As evening descends, we arrive in Carcassonne, famed for being one of Europe’s most impressive fortified cities. A suggested evening stroll around its brilliantly illuminated walls, followed by dinner in one of the charming Citadel restaurants, promises a perfect end to the day. 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 morning in Carcassonne with a guided tour of the Castle of the Counts—entrance included—as well as a visit to the impressive medieval walls. Following this, you'll have some free time to wander and explore Carcassonne at your leisure. After lunch, we make our way to Narbonne, where you'll have the opportunity to discover this delightful Occitan city, known for its charming historic centre. In the evening, we arrive in Marseille, France's second-largest city. Here, we suggest taking a leisurely stroll through the bustling Vieux Port, which boasts a lively atmosphere and a variety of small eateries perfect for sampling local cuisine.

Today, we delve into the picturesque landscapes and rich history of Provence, starting in Arles. Known for its UNESCO World Heritage status, Arles boasts a fascinating blend of Roman and medieval architecture, and it's sure to recall the vibrant works of Van Gogh, who was inspired by this very locale. In Les Baux, we will explore a quaint medieval village and experience the Carrières de Lumières – an extraordinary underground art show that ingeniously merges light, sound, and historical imagery within its old quarries. In the event that tickets are unavailable, we'll redirect to the awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard. Our day continues with a lunch break and a stroll in Avignon, home to the grand Palais des Papes, a reminder of the city's papal history. We conclude our day in Lyon, where a walk through its old town, recognised by UNESCO, awaits. To top it off, we'll take a cable car ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a majestic basilica offering breathtaking views over the city.

Today, we depart from Lyon and venture into the heart of Burgundy. Our first destination is Tournus, a charming town notable for its impressive stone gate and grand abbey. Next, we head to Beaune, the celebrated wine capital of Burgundy. Here, you'll have the chance to enjoy lunch and explore the area's famed attractions. Consider visiting the wine museum or the historic hospices of the town.Our journey continues to the remarkable Savigny Castle, nestled within this viticultural region. Dating back to the 15th century, the castle boasts fascinating museums dedicated to motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. The final stop of the day is Dijon, the vibrant capital of Burgundy. Known for its bustling streets and stunning medieval and Renaissance architecture, Dijon is home to the majestic Palace of the Dukes. This historical city provides a perfect conclusion to our exploration of Burgundy's rich heritage.

We'll depart from Dijon and make our way to Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, we’ll explore the serene surroundings of this historic Cistercian abbey. Our journey then takes us to Semur-en-Auxois, a picturesque medieval town encircled by impressive ancient walls. Still within the enchanting region of Burgundy, we’ll pause for lunch and a leisurely stroll in Vézelay, known for its stunning basilica, which historically served as one of the starting points of the Way of St. James. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our journey to Paris, where we'll arrive in the evening, ready to embrace the next part of our adventure.

Today, we delve into the majestic history of France at the illustrious Palace of Versailles, famed for its breathtaking gardens. Although admission is not included, you'll have the chance to explore this opulent residence of former royalty. After our visit, we make our way back to Paris and head to Montmartre, a charming bohemian district celebrated for its vibrant artistic scene, painters, and historic cabarets.As we continue, a local guide will lead us on a panoramic tour of Paris, where we'll admire the city's impressive avenues and iconic monuments, offering a splendid overview of the capital's grandeur. We'll conclude the day's exploration with a return to the hotel. For those interested, an optional variety show is available in the evening, providing a perfect end to an enriching day in the City of Light.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this renowned iron structure – entry tickets are included. Next, we will embark on a serene cruise along the River Seine, lasting around an hour and fifteen minutes, allowing us to admire the city's landmarks from a unique perspective. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, with countless cafes, boutiques, and museums awaiting your discovery. Please note that transport back to the hotel is not provided. If the queues at the Eiffel Tower are excessively long, we may need to rearrange the visit to a different time or move it to Sunday for your convenience.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with a collection of cherished memories from your remarkable journey.