Basque to Burgundy European Odyssey
Set off from Madrid and wind your way to Paris on a 10 day journey through wine country, Provence and the Black Forest. You’ll stroll La Concha in San Sebastián, explore UNESCO crowned Bordeaux and feel the hush of Lourdes at the candlelit procession. Expect Carcassonne’s ramparts and Marseille’s Vieux–Port – then Arles, Les Baux and Avignon’s Palais des Papes before Lyon’s views. Burgundy brings Beaune and Savigny Castle’s quirky museums. In Alsace, visit Colmar and Riquewihr with a tasting, cruise Strasbourg’s canals and follow forest roads to Triberg’s falls and Baden–Baden. Glide up to Heidelberg Castle, pause in Reims – finishing in Paris.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more.
Tour Overview
Duration
10 daysHotel Rating
3-4 star hotelsStarts
MadridEnds
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
NoDeparture Transfer
NoTour Guide
Yes - English speaking guides (guiding may be in additional languages to English)Countries
Spain, France, Switzerland, Germany, LuxembourgPassengers
$4,360.50
$500.00
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
San Sebastián
Bordeaux
Lourdes
Carcassonne
Narbona
Marseille
Arles
Avignon
Lyon
Tournus
Savigny Castle
Beaune
Dijon
Besançon
Colmar
Riquewihr
Strasbourg
Fribourg
Triberg
Gengenbach
Baden-Baden
Speyer
Heidelberg
Frankfurt
Luxembourg
Reims
Paris
Included
Not Included
Itinerary
Day 1 - Madrid - San Sebastian - Bordeaux
From Madrid, we travel north through Castile into the Basque Country. In San Sebastián, we stroll along La Concha Beach and enjoy a glass of wine in the old town before crossing into France. We arrive in Bordeaux in the late afternoon – you may like to take a relaxed walk through the city centre to get your bearings.
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 - Bordeaux - Lourdes
We spend the morning in Bordeaux exploring its UNESCO‑listed historic centre – from the Water Mirror to the medieval lanes around the cathedral dating from the 11th century. Afterwards, you have free time to stroll the Garonne riverbanks, lined with inviting restaurants for lunch, or to visit Cité du Vin if you wish. We then continue south 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 3 - Lourdes - Carcassonne - Narbona - Marseille
We travel through the south of France, stopping in Carcassonne – a city ringed by impressive medieval walls – where you’ll have time to explore at your own pace. After lunch we continue to Narbonne, and you’ll have free time to discover this historic Occitan city and its picturesque old town. By late afternoon we reach Marseille, France’s second-largest city, where you can take a stroll around the lively Vieux-Port, dotted with welcoming places to eat.
Day 4 - Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon
We leave Marseille after breakfast and journey through Provence’s villages, landscapes and history. In Arles – a UNESCO World Heritage city – we explore its Roman and medieval heritage and its associations with Van Gogh. We then continue to Les Baux to visit this small medieval village, with admission included to Carrières de Lumières – an immersive art, image and sound show set within former quarries.Reaching Avignon around midday, you’ll have time for lunch and a relaxed stroll in the historic centre, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey continues to Lyon, where we walk through the UNESCO‑listed old town and take the cable car up to Notre‑Dame de Fourvière for wide views over the city.If Carrières de Lumières is closed or tickets are unavailable due to high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Day 5 - Lyon - Tournus - Savigny Castle - Beaune - Dijon
We depart Lyon for Burgundy, stopping first in Tournus – a small town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. We then continue to Beaune for lunch and free time to explore the wine capital of Burgundy; you may choose to visit the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next, we visit Savigny Castle in the heart of this winemaking region – built in the 15th century, it houses remarkable museums with collections of motorbikes, racing cars, planes and helicopters. We finish the day in Dijon, the region’s capital, known for its lively streets and its wealth of medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the Palace of the Dukes.
Day 6 - Dijon - Besancon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg
We remain in Burgundy with a stop in Besançon – a city of Roman origin with a handsome historic centre and a 17th–century citadel overlooking the town. We then continue into Alsace – long contested between France and Germany – where architecture, traditions and the Alsatian dialect reflect its Germanic heritage. Our first stop is Colmar, known for its unique architecture, colourful half–timbered houses and canals. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, we visit Riquewihr, a beautifully preserved medieval town of cobbled streets and bright façades. We also call at an old winery for a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We arrive in Strasbourg in the evening – you can explore the cathedral area and Petite France, both full of character and inviting places to dine.
Day 7 - Strasbourg - Freiburg im breisgau - Triberg - Gengenbach - Baden-Baden
We begin in Strasbourg, capital of Alsace and home to the European Parliament. Its historic centre blends medieval streets, a striking Gothic cathedral and canals. We include a boat trip through the canals of Petite France to take in this characterful quarter.We then cross into Germany, following scenic roads through the Black Forest. In Freiburg im Breisgau, you will have time for lunch and a stroll through the lively university city and its medieval centre. We continue to Triberg, renowned for its cuckoo clocks. We include admission to the Triberg Waterfalls – the highest in Germany – reached via a walking path. We also make a brief stop in Gengenbach so you can take photos of its handsome central square before continuing to Baden‑Baden for the night, a historic spa town once favoured by European nobility that still shows its elegance in its casinos, architecture and parks.
Day 8 - Baden-Baden - Speyer - Heidelberg - Frankfurt
We begin with a relaxed stroll through Baden‑Baden’s elegant parks before heading into Rhineland‑Palatinate. In Speyer – set on the Rhine – you can visit the magnificent Romanesque cathedral, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and wander the old town where the Alte Münze tower stands out. We then continue to Heidelberg, where we take the funicular up to the castle – ticket included – with access to the exterior grounds, the historic wine cellars and the pharmacy museum, and far‑reaching views over the city. Afterward, you’ll have time for lunch and to explore the old town and Marktplatz at your own pace. By late afternoon we arrive in Frankfurt, a major financial centre with a striking skyline and a characterful old town. You’ll have free time to stroll and dine around Römerberg Square before we go on to the hotel.
Day 9 - Frankfurt - Luxembourg - Reims - Paris
We leave Frankfurt and head west to the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg – a cosmopolitan capital where Luxembourgish and French are widely spoken. We arrive in Luxembourg City, which blends a historic core with modern European institutions. You’ll have time to explore the UNESCO-listed old town, walk the fortifications and see the Grand Ducal Palace and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and to find lunch at your own pace.In the afternoon we continue into France and stop in Reims, at the heart of the Champagne region – you can take in its magnificent Gothic cathedral, historic site of many French royal coronations. We arrive in Paris towards the end of the day.
Day 10 - Paris
After breakfast, we conclude our journey in Paris – the tour ends here, leaving you with lasting memories of your travels.
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 - 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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