Grand French Voyage to Vibrant Spain

Welcome to Paris! Upon your arrival, we'll ensure a seamless transfer to your hotel, where you can enjoy some well-deserved free time to relax or explore. In the afternoon, you will be briefed on the tour's start, with details available either in person or via information signs at the hotel reception. Please note, this tour may have guests joining or leaving at various points, although we guarantee the group size will never exceed its maximum. Enjoy your first day in this captivating city at your leisure. 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.

Our day begins with an exploration of France's opulence at the Palace of Versailles, famed for its spectacular gardens (please note that entry is not included). Later, we head back to Paris and explore Montmartre, the bohemian heart of the city known for its vibrant arts scene, featuring artists, painters, and lively cabarets. To truly experience the magnificence of the city, we embark on a panoramic tour with a knowledgeable local guide, who will introduce us to the grand avenues and iconic landmarks that grace this enchanting city. Afterwards, we return to the hotel. For those with a taste for entertainment, there's an optional evening variety show.

We will begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower, where you will have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor (admission included), offering stunning views of the city. Following this, we'll unwind with a scenic cruise along the Seine River, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you’ll have the afternoon free to explore Paris at your leisure. Whether you choose to wander through its charming streets, discover hidden gems, or visit more of its world-renowned sights, the city is yours to enjoy. At 5:30 p.m., we will depart Paris and make our way to the picturesque Loire Valley, arriving in the historic city of Tours by evening. As the capital of the region, Tours boasts a beautiful historic centre, ideal for a leisurely evening stroll and enjoying a delightful dinner. Please note: Due to potential long waits at the Eiffel Tower, the visit might be rescheduled to a different time or even another day (such as Sunday) for logistical reasons.

On our fourth day, we will embark on a scenic journey through the vineyards of southern France, arriving in Bordeaux, a city whose historic centre is recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy lunch and explore at your leisure. We recommend visiting the Port of the Moon and the stunning Cathedral of St. Andrew to truly appreciate Bordeaux's rich cultural tapestry. Our travels then take us towards the Pyrenees, reaching Lourdes by late afternoon. In Lourdes, you can join the serene candlelight procession, which runs from late March to the end of October, and visit the town's revered places of worship. Dinner is included at the hotel, allowing you to end your day in comfort with fellow travellers.

Today, we'll travel through the picturesque south of France, making a stop in Carcassonne. Here, you can explore the enchanting fortified city, famed for its beautifully preserved medieval walls. After enjoying some free time for a leisurely walk and perhaps lunch, we'll continue our journey to Narbonne. This historic Occitan city is yours to discover, with its charming old town offering a glimpse into the past. Our day concludes as we reach Marseille in the late afternoon, France's bustling second-largest city. We suggest a visit to the lively Vieux-Port (Old Port), where you can soak in the vibrant atmosphere and perhaps unwind at one of the delightful small restaurants lining the docks.

Today, we delve into the captivating region of Provence, starting with a visit to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne. Here, you will have time to meander through the enchanting historic centre, noted for its narrow, charming streets, elegant fountains, and picturesque squares. Our journey continues to Avignon, a city steeped in history and beautifully set on the Rhône's banks. Once called the "second Rome," Avignon was the seat of the Catholic popes before becoming part of France in 1791. The city’s magnificent Palace of the Popes stands as a testament to this remarkable past. Enjoy a leisurely stroll and lunch within its historic walls.We'll proceed to the Pont du Gard, where your admission is included to this awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct. As a UNESCO World Heritage site, it ranks amongst the most renowned and best-preserved Roman monuments worldwide. Our day concludes as we head towards Catalonia, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona by evening.

In the morning, we'll embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, one of Europe's most captivating capitals. This lively city, perched along the Mediterranean, is celebrated for Gaudí's modernist architecture, the vibrant Ramblas, and a rich history marked by events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. You'll have some free time in the afternoon to explore at your leisure. In the evening, we will transfer you to Maremagnum, a popular entertainment and dining complex by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. Enjoy a pleasant evening stroll and choose from a variety of dining options to suit your tastes.

On Day 8, we’ll continue our journey south along the Mediterranean coast, with a delightful stop in Peñíscola. This enchanting walled town, set against a backdrop of stunning seascapes, invites you to take a leisurely stroll and soak in its scenic beauty. Afterwards, we’ll head to Valencia, a lively port city situated on the eastern coast of Spain, where we’ll arrive in time for lunch. As you explore, consider sampling the renowned local dish, paella. By approximately 4:30 p.m., our travels will resume towards Madrid, but not before we make a brief visit to the City of Arts and Sciences, a remarkable complex known for its futuristic architecture. Expect to reach Madrid between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m., where to welcome you, we will provide a transfer to the Plaza Mayor. This historic square is an ideal place for enjoying pinchos or a glass of wine at its variety of vibrant restaurants. Please note that, depending on group size, the leg from Valencia to Madrid might be via a high-speed train.

Today, we will embark on a captivating tour of Madrid, discovering the vibrant heart of Spain's capital. Our exploration includes admiring the city's iconic landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. We will also visit the serene Retiro Park, a lush haven in the bustling city centre, featuring a picturesque lake and the stunning Palacio de Cristal. Our itinerary includes a visit to the legendary Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the world-renowned Real Madrid football club, with admission provided. The afternoon is yours to explore further at your own pace. In the evening, we will arrange a transfer back to the hotel, allowing you to unwind after a day full of discovery and excitement.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of the journey. Safe travels and we hope to welcome you on another adventure soon.