Barcelona to Paris European Culture Journey
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Set off on an 8 day journey from Barcelona to Paris, blending Mediterranean sparkle with alpine drama and French finesse. You’ll explore Gaudí’s Barcelona and Girona’s old quarter, wander Roman Arles and the dazzling Carrières des Lumières, then unwind amid Savoy charm. Cross into Switzerland for Geneva’s lakeside sights, cheese in Gruyères, chocolate at Maison Cailler and storybook Chillon Castle. Ride a cable car to Glacier 3000 – think sky bridge and year round snow – pause in Interlaken and glimpse Lucerne’s lakes. Swing through Strasbourg before a Paris finale – Versailles, Montmartre, a panoramic city tour, the Eiffel Tower and a Seine cruise.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
8 daysHotel Rating
3 or 4 star hotelsStarts
BarcelonaEnds
ParisMinimum 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, France, SwitzerlandTour Style
Group Size
Up to 65 travellers
Min 2 / Max 65
Trip Type
Large Coach Tours
Travel Style
Worldwide Touring
This tour is operated by our trusted local partner and has been handpicked by us to deliver you an unforgettable trip.
Guiding Style
Partially Guided
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.
These ratings are a general guide and may vary from tour to tour.
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 ToursPassengers
$6,142.50
$3,071.25
Free eSIM included
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Places You'll See
Barcelona
Girona
Careers of Lights
Chambéry
Geneva
Gruyeres
Leysin
Interlaken
Lucerne
Zurich
Strasbourg
Paris
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Barcelona
Welcome to the tour. We arrange your transfer to the hotel, then you have free time to settle in. In the afternoon we share practical information – either in person or via the noticeboard at reception.
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 - Barcelona - Girona
This morning we explore the City of Counts – Barcelona – from its Mediterranean coastline and Gaudí’s modernism to the lively Ramblas and the city’s rich history, including the Universal Exposition and the Olympic legacy. In the evening we leave Barcelona and travel north into Catalonia. Before reaching our hotel, we stroll Girona’s historic centre – colourful riverside houses, the old Jewish quarter and the impressive cathedral.
Day 3 - Girona - Careers of Lights - Chambery
We journey into France through Provence, stopping first in Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city linked to Van Gogh – you have time to explore, see the Roman theatre and Romanesque churches, and find lunch. We then include a visit to Carrières des Lumières – an extraordinary immersive art experience inside an ancient quarry. By evening we arrive in Chambéry, capital of Savoy, with a medieval atmosphere, a handsome historic centre and a large castle. Note: If Carrières des Lumières is closed or tickets are unavailable, we visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.
Day 4 - Chambery - Geneva - Gruyeres - Leysin
We cross into Switzerland to Geneva, where with our guide we take in the Palais des Nations area, the English Garden with its flower clock, and the Jet d’Eau. We continue to the walled village of Gruyères, famed for its cheese, then include admission to Maison Cailler for a delicious chocolate tasting. Scenic roads lead us past alpine meadows and wooden villages to lakeside Chillon Castle – admission included. We reach Leysin by mid afternoon, a welcoming mountain resort with sweeping views of the Rhône Valley and Mont Blanc. Dinner is included. Note: Depending on availability, accommodation may be in another charming Swiss Alpine town such as Martigny.
Day 5 - Leysin - Interlaken - Lucerne - Zurich
Prepare for glorious mountain scenery – pack warm clothing. We ascend by cable car to Glacier 3000, where snow and ice await all year, with the suspended bridge between two peaks, the Ice Cathedral and the Fun Park. We pause in Interlaken so you can get lunch, then travel to Lucerne and continue to Zurich for the evening, with time to explore the centre before we head to the hotel. Note: If adverse weather or other circumstances close the Glacier 3000 cable car, we will offer an equally spectacular alpine alternative.
Day 6 - Zurich - Strasbourg - Paris
We depart Zurich for the Alsace region to visit its capital, Strasbourg – a delightful blend of French and German influences – where you have time to explore. We then continue to Paris, arriving in the evening.
Day 7 - Paris
We delve into French history at the Palace of Versailles – admission not included – renowned for its magnificent gardens. Back in Paris we visit Montmartre, the bohemian hillside quarter of artists and cabarets, then take a panoramic city tour with a local guide to admire grand avenues and iconic monuments before returning to the hotel.
Day 8 - Paris
We begin in central Paris at the Eiffel Tower – tickets included to ascend to the second level. Afterwards we enjoy a relaxing Seine cruise of around one hour and fifteen minutes. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace – return transfer to the hotel is not included. Note: If queues at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we may reschedule the visit to a different time or to Sunday. Our journey concludes – please check your flight time in case you require an additional night.
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 - Paris
Pre-Tour Accommodation - Barcelona
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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