Enchanting Spanish and French Adventure

Your adventure in Madrid begins with a leisurely morning, offering you the freedom to explore the city at your own pace, perhaps discovering a charming café or two. In the afternoon, we will embark on a panoramic city tour, expertly guiding you through some of Madrid's most iconic landmarks. Marvel at the grand Royal Palace, the architectural beauty of the Cibeles Fountain, and the cultural riches along Paseo del Prado. The tour concludes in the historic Plaza Mayor, where you'll find an array of activities to enjoy the city's vibrant nightlife. This day sets the tone for your exploration of Spain's vibrant capital. 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, you have the freedom to explore Madrid at your own pace. For those eager to delve deeper into Spain's rich history, we're offering an optional excursion to Toledo, an ancient city renowned for its stunning architecture and cultural heritage. This exploration offers a glimpse into the past, with the city's blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences creating a unique tapestry of art and history. Whether you choose to wander through Madrid or uncover the secrets of Toledo, this day is yours to shape.

On the third day, we leave behind the vibrant city of Madrid and embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of Castile. Our first destination is the historic city of Segovia. En route, we are treated to the stunning mountain scenery that characterises this region. Upon arrival in Segovia, we travel along a scenic route leading to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos. From this vantage point, we are afforded the finest views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the enchanting castle that inspired Walt Disney's vision of Sleeping Beauty's castle, as well as its formidable fortress walls.Afterwards, we head towards the city’s iconic Roman Aqueduct, a remarkable engineering feat from the 1st century that served the city until 1973 and is now recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have some leisure time to wander through the charming old town, enjoy lunch, and perhaps visit the vibrant Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, or the Alcazar at your own pace.Our journey continues as we meander through picturesque roads towards Pedraza, a village celebrated as one of Spain's most beautiful. This quaint medieval town, steeped in history, is noted for its cobbled streets, historic buildings, and a lovely Plaza Mayor. You’ll have the opportunity to take a stroll and soak up this charming village’s atmosphere. In the afternoon, we press on to the Basque Country, reaching Bilbao by evening, where you will have free time to explore the old town’s lively bars and taverns, perfect for sampling the region’s renowned pintxos.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Bilbao, where the architectural wonder that is the Guggenheim Museum awaits. This landmark, famed for its remarkable design, is a highlight of our visit to the city's vibrant old town and medieval centre, characterised by its bustling streets and historic cathedral. You'll have free time to explore further and enjoy lunch; we suggest visiting La Ribera Market, a stunning venue with a maritime-inspired structure overlooking the river, perfect for sampling authentic Basque cuisine.After lunch, our journey continues to Guernica, a town with a poignant past deeply etched into Spanish history. This was the site of a devastating Spanish Civil War massacre, immortalised by Picasso's renowned painting. Here, you can witness the Tree of Gernika, an emblem of regional autonomy granted during the Middle Ages.Our next stop is Hondarribia, a picturesque coastal town enveloped by ancient walls and brimming with maritime charm. Its historic centre is a delightful maze of cobbled streets and traditional architecture, inviting you to explore at your leisure before enjoying dinner in this scenic setting.We will conclude our day with a drive to San Sebastián, arriving by the evening. Our accommodation is typically located atop Mount Igueldo, offering spectacular views over this elegant city aglow by night.

We begin our day with breathtaking views over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, followed by a stroll through the lovely gardens of Miramar Palace. Afterwards, you'll have some time to unwind on the city's expansive beach or enjoy a leisurely walk along its charming boulevards. We've arranged an opportunity for you to indulge in a pintxo experience, sampling traditional Basque dishes accompanied by a drink. Early in the afternoon, we depart for France, arriving in Bordeaux by the evening. A leisurely walk through Bordeaux's city centre is highly recommended, allowing you to soak in the evening atmosphere.

We begin our day exploring Bordeaux, a city whose entire centre is celebrated as a World Heritage Site. You'll be enchanted by the iconic "Water Mirror" – a marvel of reflection that brings the cityscape to life. Take a leisurely walk through the historic old town, where charming pedestrian streets and an impressive 11th-century cathedral await. The day offers you the freedom to wander along the banks of the Garonne River, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for a delightful lunch. Alternatively, you may choose to explore the Citée du Vin, a fascinating interactive museum dedicated to the history and culture of wine. In the afternoon, we journey towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you'll have the opportunity to visit the renowned sanctuary, with the option to witness the moving candlelit procession in the evening. Dinner is included as we conclude our day steeped in the spiritual ambiance of this marvellous town.

Today, we will traverse the scenic south of France, beginning our adventure in the medieval city of Carcassonne. You'll have ample time to wander through its renowned fortified walls and historic district, known as La Cit?, and enjoy a leisurely lunch amidst its charming atmosphere. Afterward, our route takes us towards the impressive Pyrenees mountain range, where we will pause briefly in Foix, a town celebrated for the Ch?teau de Foix.We continue our journey through the Pyrenees, where the majestic snow-capped peaks are a sight to behold year-round. Our next stop is the small nation of Andorra, where the official language is Catalan. En route, we'll visit the quaint Romanesque church of Sant Joan de Caselles, dating back to the 12th century. Upon arrival in Andorra la Vella, the capital, you'll have free time to explore the lively commercial area or perhaps visit Caldea, Europe's largest thermal spa. Dinner is included, allowing you to sample local specialities.

We will begin our day with some free time in Andorra, offering you the chance to explore the local shops or take a leisurely walk. Following lunch, our journey continues as we head towards Catalonia, passing through the scenic mountain landscapes that lead us to the awe-inspiring Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. Here, we will board a rack train up the mountainside, providing spectacular views of the surrounding countryside. After exploring the sanctuary and its stunning vistas, we will proceed to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon.

We'll start our morning with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a city celebrated as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Against the backdrop of the Mediterranean Sea, you'll discover the distinctive modernist architecture of Antoni Gaudí, stroll along the lively Las Ramblas, and encounter tales of its vibrant past, marked by events such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. In the afternoon, you're free to explore the city at your own pace—perhaps visit a museum, or simply enjoy a leisurely coffee in one of its many charming cafés. In the evening, we'll transfer you to Maremagnum, a modern complex by the sea near Plaza de Colón. Here, enjoy a vibrant atmosphere where you can choose from a variety of dining options, with the gentle lull of the sea in the background, for a truly local experience.

We'll embark on a journey south, tracing the glistening Mediterranean coastline. Our first stop is the captivating town of Peñíscola, renowned for its enchanting medieval walls and splendid coastal views. You'll have a chance to wander through its charming streets and soak in the picturesque surroundings. Continuing onward, we head to Valencia, a lively port city on Spain's Levantine coast, famous for its rich culture and vibrant energy. We arrive around lunchtime – perfect timing to savour a traditional paella, should you wish. By late afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., we depart for Madrid, but not without pausing to admire the striking architecture of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Our journey concludes with a return to Madrid, expected between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Note: Depending on the size of the group, the segment of travel from Valencia to Madrid may be completed by high-speed train.

Following breakfast, our journey comes to its conclusion. We hope you depart with fond memories of your travels, enriched by the experiences and sights shared throughout this adventure.