Enchanting Spanish and French Discovery
Set off from Madrid and return to Madrid on a six–day sweep through northern Spain and southwest France. Expect medieval charm in Segovia and Pedraza – think Roman aqueducts, cobbled streets and castle views – before Bilbao’s buzz and the Guggenheim. You’ll visit Guernica and coastal Hondarribia, then soak up San Sebastián’s bay panoramas from Mount Igueldo, plus a cider museum visit and pintxos tasting. Cross into Bordeaux for riverside elegance – the Water Mirror and grand squares – then continue to Lourdes for its moving sanctuary and evening procession. Drive the Pyrenees to Zaragoza’s Plaza del Pilar, with scenic pauses en route.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
6 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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, FrancePassengers
€1,083.75
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 - Segovia - Pedraza - Bilbao
Welcome to your tour. We leave Madrid for Castile, travelling through mountain landscapes. Our first stop is Segovia, where we follow a scenic route to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos for sweeping views of the Alcázar and city walls – the fortress is often said to have inspired Disney’s Sleeping Beauty castle. We then park near the Roman aqueduct, built in the 1st century and used until 1973 – now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You have free time to explore the old town, find lunch, and head to Plaza Mayor to see the cathedral and the Alcázar.We continue along charming back roads to Pedraza, frequently cited as one of Spain’s most beautiful villages. This fortified medieval town offers cobbled streets, historic buildings, a picturesque Plaza Mayor and a fortress dating from the 13th century. You have free time for a relaxed stroll.In the afternoon we make for the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. You can explore the old town at your own pace and dip into its taverns and bars to sample the famous pintxos.
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 - Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastian
After breakfast, we take a guided tour of Bilbao, the Basque Country’s largest city and its main economic and cultural hub. A highlight is the Guggenheim Museum – renowned for its striking architecture. You then have free time to stroll the area or visit the museum if you wish. After lunch, we depart for Guernica, known for the Civil War bombing depicted in Picasso’s painting. Here we see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which Basque autonomy was sworn in during the Middle Ages. We continue to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), a coastal town with beaches, old walls and a historic centre laid out on a narrow, cobbled grid – you can explore the old town and enjoy dinner. We then head to San Sebastián, arriving by the end of the day. Our hotel is usually on Mount Igueldo, offering views over the city.
Day 3 - San Sebastian - Bordeaux
This morning we admire the views over the Bay of San Sebastián from Mount Igueldo, then you’ll have free time to enjoy the beach, stroll the boulevards and explore the old town at your own pace. We then visit the Basque Cider Museum – admission and tasting included – to learn about the traditions and production of this regional drink. We also include a pintxos experience, sampling these Basque small bites accompanied by a drink.In the early afternoon we cross into France, arriving in Bordeaux at the end of the day. You may like to take an evening walk through the city centre.
Day 4 - Bordeaux - Lourdes
We begin in Bordeaux, whose historic centre is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We take in the Water Mirror and stroll the historic old town’s pedestrian streets to see the 11th–century cathedral. Afterwards, you’ll have free time to wander the Garonne riverbanks for lunch or visit Cité du Vin, an interactive museum about the history and production of wine. We then continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid–afternoon. You’ll have time to visit the sanctuary – we suggest attending the candlelit procession. Dinner is included.
Day 5 - Lourdes - SALLENT DE GALLEGO - Zaragoza - Madrid
We depart Lourdes early and cross the Pyrenees – a route of high peaks and striking mountain scenery – entering Spain en route to Sallent de Gállego. We pause for coffee in this historic village, known for its Gothic church and medieval stone bridge. We then continue to Zaragoza, the capital of Aragon. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore the historic quarter, including the grand Plaza del Pilar with its cathedral and the basilica, home to the venerated Virgin of the Pilar. We then continue to Madrid, arriving around 21:00 hrs.
Day 6 - Madrid
After breakfast, we conclude the tour in Madrid – your journey ends here.
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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