Journey Through France and Spain's Gems

Welcome to Paris! Upon your arrival, we will arrange for your transfer to the hotel, allowing you some free time to settle in and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive important information about the commencement of your tour, which may be provided in person or via the information boards at the hotel reception. Please be aware that the group composition on this journey might change as travellers may join or leave at different points along the route. However, we assure you that the maximum group size will always be respected, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone. 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 our second day in Paris, we delve into the captivating history of France with a visit to the splendid Palace of Versailles, celebrated for its exquisite gardens. Please note that the entrance fee is not included. Upon returning to the heart of the city, we'll explore Montmartre, a delightful bohemian quarter known for its vibrant art scene, including painters and cabarets. To further uncover the charm of Paris, we join a panoramic city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide, offering insights into the city's magnificent avenues and iconic landmarks. After this enriching experience, we return to our hotel. Should you wish to round off your day with something special, consider an optional evening variety show.

We begin our day amidst the splendour of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You'll have the chance to ascend to the second floor, offering breathtaking views of the city below. Following this, we take to the waters of the Seine for a relaxing one-hour-and-fifteen-minute boat cruise, allowing you to see the city's landmarks from a unique perspective. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your own pace – whether you choose to delve into the city's vibrant culture, enjoy a leisurely café visit, or indulge in some shopping, the choice is yours. At 5:30 p.m., we depart Paris and journey to the picturesque Loire Valley, arriving in Tours, the region’s capital, by evening. We recommend taking a peaceful stroll through the charming historic centre, where you can also find a delightful spot for dinner. Please note that due to potentially long queues at the Eiffel Tower, our visit there might be rescheduled if necessary, possibly to a later time or the following Sunday for logistical reasons.

Today, we travel through the lush vineyards of southern France, arriving in Bordeaux. This city boasts a town centre that is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where you'll have the opportunity to savour a leisurely lunch and explore at your own pace. We suggest visiting the Port of the Moon and the Cathedral of St. Andrew for an insight into the city's rich heritage. Our journey then continues towards the Pyrenees, and by late afternoon, we reach Lourdes. Here, you can join the candlelight procession, a spiritual event held from late March to the end of October, and explore the various places of worship in this revered pilgrimage site. Dinner will be provided at the hotel, offering a chance to relax and reflect on the day's experiences.

Today, our adventure through southern France begins with a stop in Carcassonne. Here, we'll have the opportunity to explore and savour lunch within this city, renowned for its well-preserved medieval walls, grand castle, and charming historic quarter, La Cit?. Our journey then carries us onward through the scenic Pyrenees, with a brief visit in Foix. This medieval town is home to the impressive Ch?teau de Foix, offering a glimpse into the region's rich history.Continuing our journey amidst the breathtaking snowy peaks of the Pyrenees, we make a stop at Sant Joan de Caselles. This quaint 12th-century Romanesque church provides a moment of reflection before we proceed to Andorra. As we arrive in Andorra la Vella, the vibrant capital of this small country where Catalan is the official language, you'll have free time to explore. Discover the lively commercial scene or unwind at Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner will be provided, offering a chance to relax and recount the day's adventures.

Today, you'll have the morning free in Andorra to explore or indulge in some shopping. Situated in the stunning Pyrenees, Andorra is a haven for tax-free shopping, offering numerous opportunities to pick up a bargain. Post lunch, we'll set off towards Catalonia, where the scenic mountain roads lead us to the remarkable Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. A rack train will carry us up the mountain (with your fare included) to reveal spectacular views and allow us to explore the area around the sanctuary, which is rich in cultural and religious significance. Our day concludes as we continue our journey to the vibrant city of Barcelona, anticipated to arrive in the late afternoon.

This morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating cities. Situated by the Mediterranean, Barcelona is celebrated for its extraordinary architecture by Antoni Gaudí, the vibrant energy of La Rambla, and its illustrious past marked by events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. The afternoon is yours to explore the city as you wish. In the evening, we'll make our way to Maremagnum, a modern complex dedicated to leisure and dining, conveniently located by the sea near Plaza de Colón. You can enjoy a pleasant walk around this lively area and choose from a diverse selection of dining venues.

We continue our journey southwards along the Mediterranean coast, stopping first at the delightful town of Peñíscola. This charming walled settlement, perched by the sea, invites a leisurely stroll amid scenic surroundings. After exploring Peñíscola, we proceed to the lively city of Valencia on Spain's Levantine coast, where we aim to arrive around lunchtime. Why not savour the renowned local speciality, paella? Later, at approximately 4:30 p.m., we will resume our journey towards Madrid. However, before departing Valencia, we will make a brief stop at its stunningly modern City of Arts and Sciences. Our arrival in Madrid is expected between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. To greet you in this vibrant city, we include a transfer to the Plaza Mayor. It's the perfect place to unwind and perhaps enjoy pinchos or a glass of wine at one of the many inviting restaurants. Please note that, depending on the group size, the leg from Valencia to Madrid may be travelled via high-speed train.

Today, we will set off on a comprehensive tour of Madrid's vibrant city centre. Our morning begins with a visit to some of the city's most iconic landmarks, including Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. After exploring these celebrated spots, we'll continue to Retiro Park, a serene oasis in the middle of the bustling city. Here, we'll admire the peaceful lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Our tour also includes admission to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the legendary home of Real Madrid – a must-visit for football enthusiasts. After our planned activities, you'll have the afternoon to explore Madrid at your own pace. Whether you choose to shop, indulge in the local cuisine, or discover more of what this dynamic city has to offer, the choice is yours. In the evening, we will provide a return transfer to the hotel.

After enjoying breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with many cherished memories of your travels.