Enchanting France to Catalonia Adventure

Welcome to your adventure. We’ll arrange your transfer to the hotel upon arrival in Paris, and you'll have the opportunity to unwind and explore the city at your leisure. In the afternoon, you'll find any necessary details about the start of your tour posted on the boards in the hotel reception area. 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'll start the day by taking in the iconic sights of Paris on a guided panoramic tour. Our knowledgeable local guide will shed light on the city's most famous landmarks. Following this, we'll head to Montmartre, a district famous for its vibrant street artists and cosy restaurants. You can enjoy lunch here, surrounded by the area's unique charm. Later, we'll transfer you back to the hotel, but for those interested in exploring more, you can choose to remain in the city centre and perhaps visit the Louvre – we recommend setting aside time to appreciate its world-renowned collections. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace. As the day draws to a close, why not consider attending an optional evening variety show for a taste of Parisian entertainment?

Today, we will take you on a transfer to the magnificent Palace of Versailles. Experience its grand architecture and stunning gardens—though do remember that admission to the palace is not included. Following this, you'll have the afternoon free to explore Paris at your leisure. If you're looking for more activities, your guide will suggest optional excursions, such as a boat trip on the Seine or a visit to the lively Latin Quarter, both offering a delightful perspective on Parisian life.

We set off early from Paris towards Normandy, starting our day with a visit to Giverny to explore Monet's House and its stunning gardens – admission is already arranged. This stop offers us an insight into the world of impressionist art, a movement prominently rooted in Normandy. Our travels continue to Rouen, the capital of Normandy, where we have the opportunity to wander its medieval streets and admire the iconic cathedral. There will be time to enjoy a leisurely lunch in this charming city. Our journey progresses to Arromanches, where we confront the poignant beaches that mark the historic World War II landings in France. Finally, we reach Caen, offering some free time to unwind and explore the central district at your own pace. Please note that from November through April, Monet's House is not open to visitors, so the trip will not include Giverny during these months.

This morning, we'll set off for Mont-Saint-Michel, often referred to as "The Marvel." Here, you’ll be free to explore this unique town surrounded by the sea and centred around the storied abbey. Our journey will then take us into Brittany, where we'll make a stop in Saint-Malo, with its formidable walls that once defended the city. You’ll have time to enjoy lunch here. In the afternoon, we will continue to the delightful Breton village of Dinan, where we will treat ourselves to a traditional crepe and a refreshing drink. Our day's exploration concludes in Rennes, the capital of Brittany, renowned for its impressive historic centre.

Today, we set off from Rennes to visit Angers, a city renowned for its impressive medieval castle. For those interested, there's an opportunity to explore the castle, which houses the world's largest medieval tapestry depicting the Apocalypse. Our journey then continues to the picturesque Loire Valley, culminating in our arrival at Tours, the charming capital of the region situated on the banks of the Loire River. Here, you'll have some time to wander around and enjoy lunch at your leisure. In the afternoon, we'll head to the stunning Ch?teau de Villandry, celebrated for its exquisite gardens ? access to these magnificent gardens is included. This evening, we journey to Amboise for accommodation, a city famed for its delightful medieval quarter. Dinner is included, allowing you the chance to enjoy a meal in this enchanting locale.

Prepare for an enriching exploration of the Loire Valley on day seven, starting with a leisurely morning stroll in Amboise. Here, you can visit the Ch?teau du Clos Luc?, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years. Our journey continues with a visit to the stunning Ch?teau de Chenonceau, an architectural masterpiece elegantly spanning the river (entrance tickets included). Next, we'll head to Chambord to admire the largest castle in the Loire Valley and its magnificent park, which we'll explore. As we venture deeper into central France, we will arrive in Limoges, famed for its exquisite porcelain. We recommend visiting the historic centre, where the Saint Etienne Cathedral stands as an impressive historical landmark.

Today, we set off from Limoges towards the picturesque Dordogne region, renowned for its rich history and stunning landscapes. Our first stop will be Lascaux, where we'll visit the museum and explore a replica of the ancient caves, complete with fascinating prehistoric paintings – a true glimpse into our distant past. From there, we make our way to Sarlat, an exquisitely preserved Renaissance town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. You'll have time to wander through its charming streets and enjoy some lunch. Later, we continue to Beynac, where we'll explore a formidable medieval castle perched high above the river, admission included. Our day concludes in the beautiful village of Rocamadour, dramatically set on a cliff. Here, we recommend taking a walk down the Via Crucis, followed by a lift ride back to the top. Dinner will be provided as we relax and reflect on the day's adventures.

We'll begin the day by exploring the remarkable Padirac Chasm, where a unique underground experience awaits as we take a boat ride along a river 75 metres below the surface. Our journey continues to Collonges-la-Rouge, a charming village celebrated for its distinctive red-stone architecture, set along the historic Way of St. James. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely lunch in picturesque surroundings. Afterwards, we proceed to Saint-Emilion, nestled in the heart of the renowned Bordeaux wine region. Take some time to wander through this delightful town, steeped in history and wine-making tradition. We conclude our day as we arrive in Bordeaux by evening. Note that the Padirac Chasm may be closed from November until the end of March due to weather conditions.

Start your day by exploring the heart of Bordeaux, a city whose entire centre is listed as a World Heritage Site. Be prepared to be a little mesmerised by the "Water Mirror" before venturing into the historic old town, where charming pedestrian streets lead you to an 11th-century cathedral. You’ll then have some leisure time to saunter along the Garonne River, dotted with inviting restaurants ideal for a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, for those with a taste for the vinous, a visit to the Cité du Vin museum offers an engaging exploration of wine’s history and production. In the afternoon, we continue our picturesque journey towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you’ll have time to visit the revered sanctuary, and we recommend participating in the candlelit procession for a truly enchanting experience. Dinner is included, wrapping up a day full of exploration and cultural insights.

We embark on a journey through southern France, beginning with a visit to Carcassonne, a city renowned for its striking medieval walls, commanding castle, and charming historic quarter known as La Cit?. Here, you will have the opportunity to wander through its storied streets and savour a pleasant lunch. Our travels continue towards the Pyrenees, with a brief stop in Foix, a picturesque town famed for the Ch?teau de Foix. Taking in the scenic backdrop of the Pyrenees, where snowy peaks linger throughout the year, we will make our way to the principality of Andorra. On the route, we pause at the 12th-century Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Caselles. Upon arriving in Andorra la Vella, the capital, you'll have time to explore its vibrant shopping districts or relax at Caldea, Europe's largest thermal spa. Dinner is included, providing the perfect end to a day filled with exploration and discovery.

Your day in Andorra begins with some free time to explore or indulge in a bit of shopping. After lunch, we'll set off towards Catalonia, driving through picturesque mountainous landscapes until we reach the breathtaking abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Here, we'll board a rack railway to climb the mountain (included), offering splendid views of the surroundings. You'll have time to explore the awe-inspiring sanctuary before we continue our journey, arriving in Barcelona by late afternoon.

On this day, we will explore the captivating city of Barcelona with a panoramic tour, taking in the sights of this vibrant Mediterranean hub. Known for its celebrated modernist architecture by Antoni Gaudí, bustling La Rambla, and a rich historical legacy stemming from events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics, Barcelona never fails to inspire. In the afternoon, you will have some free time to further explore the city at your own pace. In the evening, we'll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining venue by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. Here, you have the option to unwind as you stroll along the lively waterfront area, enjoying the variety of dining establishments available.

As the morning unfolds over Barcelona, enjoy a relaxed breakfast as you reflect on the delightful experiences of your journey. This marks the conclusion of our tour, and we hope you cherish the memories made during your travels with us. Safe onward journey and we hope to see you again on another adventure!