Medieval Marvels Barcelona to Provence

We begin our adventure in the vibrant city of Barcelona, venturing into northern Catalonia to discover Girona. You'll have a chance to explore this city's magnificent historic centre, where medieval architecture abounds, influenced by Roman, Arab, and Hebrew cultures. Be sure to visit the Cathedral of Saint Mary, an impressive Gothic monument situated in the higher part of town, and wander through the old Jewish quarter with its charming narrow streets. Our journey will then take us to Besalú, a wonderfully preserved medieval town. Enjoy a leisurely lunch and spend some time exploring its enchanting streets. Visit the fortified stone bridge, the historical castle, the Jewish baths, and the old pilgrim hospital. In the afternoon, we will cross into French Catalonia, stopping at the picturesque coastal town of Collioure. You can relish the stunning beach, explore the port and winding alleys, or visit the remarkable castle, which stands over an ancient Roman castrum that once was the site of the Mallorcan kings' court. For those interested, the tomb of poet Antonio Machado is also accessible. As night falls, we arrive in Carcassonne, Europe’s quintessential fortified city. We recommend an evening walk to marvel at the tastefully illuminated walls and enjoy a delightful dinner in one of the inviting restaurants within the Cité. 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.

On the second day, we begin our exploration in the mesmerising city of Carcassonne. Together with our guide, we visit the magnificent Castle of the Counts, where entry is included, and walk along the impressive medieval walls. Following the morning's activities, you will have some leisure time to delve further into the city's fascinations at your own pace. After lunch, our journey takes us to Narbonne. Here, you can discover this charming city in the historic Occitan region, strolling through its picturesque historic centre. In the evening, we arrive in Marseille, France’s vibrant second city. We suggest taking a walk around the bustling Vieux Port, renowned for its lively ambiance and an array of quaint eateries.

Today, we're set to explore the captivating region of Provence. Our adventure begins in Aix-en-Provence, renowned as the birthplace of the famed painter, Paul Cézanne. You'll have the opportunity to meander through its stunning historic centre, with its quaint narrow streets, bubbling fountains, and picturesque squares. Our next destination is Avignon, where you can take a leisurely stroll and enjoy lunch in this fortified city alongside the Rhône. Known as the "second Rome" during the time when it served as the papal seat, Avignon was absorbed into France in 1791. The impressive Palace of the Popes stands as a testament to its illustrious past. We'll then proceed to the Pont du Gard, where entrance is included, allowing us to marvel at this remarkable Roman aqueduct. Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is one of the most celebrated and well-preserved Roman edifices worldwide. As our day draws to a close, we'll journey back towards Catalonia, arriving in Barcelona by evening.

After enjoying breakfast, our adventure draws to a close, leaving you with cherished memories of our travels.