Journey Through France and Spain Highlights - 11 Days

We begin our adventure by travelling south towards the enchanting Loire Valley, renowned for its stunning landscapes and historic ch?teaux. Our initial stop is Blois, a charming city celebrated for its impressive castle and rich history. We then continue to Tours, the region's capital, set gracefully on the banks of the Loire River. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll or indulge in a delightful lunch at a local caf?. In the afternoon, we visit the regal Ch?teau de Villandry, famed for its exquisite gardens ? entry is included. As the day unfolds, we head to Amboise, a captivating town with a fascinating medieval quarter nestled along the Loire River. Our evening concludes with dinner (included) as we soak in the atmosphere of this picturesque region. 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.

Today promises a delightful exploration of the Loire Valley. We begin with a morning wander through the charming town of Amboise, renowned for the Ch?teau du Clos Luc?, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final years. As we delve further into the region, our journey takes us to the renowned Ch?teau de Chenonceau, elegantly poised over the river ? your entrance is included. Our next marvel is Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley, and although tickets to the park are included, you might consider exploring more of its majestic surroundings. Our travels continue into central France, where we arrive at Limoges, a city celebrated for its exquisite porcelain. Here, we suggest exploring the historic centre, with the Saint Etienne Cathedral being a highlight.

Our day begins as we depart Limoges for the captivating Dordogne region, known for its rich history and scenic vistas. Our first destination is Lascaux, where we'll explore the museum hosting a remarkable replica of the renowned prehistoric caves – tickets are included in your tour. Discover the awe-inspiring cave paintings that transport you back to the dawn of human creativity. Afterwards, we head to the UNESCO World Heritage town of Sarlat, famed for its impeccably preserved Renaissance architecture. Here, you'll have free time to wander its charming streets and find a spot for lunch. Our journey continues to Beynac, where you will be invited to visit a majestic medieval castle perched above the river – admission is included. We conclude our day in Rocamadour, an enchanting village dramatically nestled on a cliffside. We recommend taking a meander down the Via Crucis and opting for the lift back up to appreciate the setting. Your day culminates with an included dinner, providing an opportunity to reflect on the day's discoveries.

Today, we will explore the majestic Padirac Chasm, where you'll have the unique experience of a boat ride on an underground river, located 75 metres beneath the surface. Following this subterranean adventure, we will head to Collonges-la-Rouge, a scenic village built from striking red stone, situated along the ancient Way of St. James. After enjoying lunch amidst this picturesque setting, our journey will continue to Saint-Émilion, nestled in the heart of Bordeaux's renowned wine country. Here, you'll have some free time to wander leisurely through its charming streets. As the day draws to a close, we will arrive in Bordeaux for the evening. Please note that the Padirac Chasm may be closed from November to the end of March due to seasonal conditions.

Today, discover why the entire heart of Bordeaux is celebrated as a World Heritage Site. We'll begin our exploration by immersing ourselves in the captivating atmosphere of the city's historic centre, where charming pedestrian streets invite leisurely strolls, and the 11th-century cathedral commands admiration. As you wander, marvel at the spectacle of the ‘Water Mirror’, a stunning feature of the cityscape. You'll then have ample free time to explore vibrant riverbanks lined with quaint restaurants, perfect for a delightful lunch. Alternatively, consider visiting the Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum dedicated to the rich history of wine. Following this, we’ll journey towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you’ll have the chance to visit the revered sanctuary, and we suggest attending the moving candlelit procession. Dinner will be included, wrapping up a day filled with cultural exploration and reflection.

Our day begins with a journey through the south of France to the enchanting city of Carcassonne. You'll have time to explore this historic city, admire its impressive medieval walls and castle, and enjoy a leisurely lunch. Our adventure continues towards the Pyrenees, where we will pause briefly in Foix, a town known for the majestic Ch?teau de Foix. As we traverse the Pyrenees, you'll be treated to views of snowy peaks, visible throughout the year, before arriving in Andorra. Here, we will stop to admire Sant Joan de Caselles, a quaint Romanesque church dating back to the 12th century. We then proceed to Andorra la Vella, the vibrant capital of Andorra, where you'll have free time to explore the bustling commercial streets or unwind at Caldea, Europe's largest thermal spa. Dinner is included.

You'll have some free time in Andorra for shopping or a leisurely walk. Following lunch, our journey continues towards Catalonia. We'll travel through scenic mountain landscapes to reach the remarkable abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. Here, we will take a rack train up the mountain – a ride included in your itinerary – to appreciate its stunning vistas. After exploring the sanctuary, we will proceed to Barcelona, arriving by late afternoon.

We will start our day in Barcelona with a panoramic tour of this dynamic city, celebrated as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Nestled by the Mediterranean, Barcelona is renowned for its modernist architecture courtesy of Gaudí, the lively energy of the Ramblas, and a storied past marked by significant events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. After enjoying the sights, you'll have the afternoon free to explore at your own pace. In the evening, we provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern hub for entertainment and dining by the sea, close to Plaza de Colón. Here, you can enjoy a relaxing walk through the bustling area and choose from a range of dining options to suit your tastes.

Our journey continues south along the Mediterranean coast as we head towards the captivating seaside town of Peñíscola. Known for its impressive medieval castle and charming old town, situated on a rocky headland, there's an irresistible blend of history and sea views for you to explore. After a leisurely walk through its winding streets, we’ll proceed to the vibrant city of Valencia, a bustling port on the Levantine coast. Arriving around midday, there's time to discover the city's rich culinary scene—will you sample the local paella? Our adventure doesn't stop there; in the afternoon, around 4:30 p.m., we'll have a brief visit to the striking City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel that captures the imagination. As the day winds down, we'll make our way to Madrid, expected to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Upon arrival, we’ll take you to Plaza Mayor, where you can unwind with delicious pinchos or a glass of wine at one of its inviting eateries. Note that, depending on the number of participants, our journey from Valencia to Madrid may take place via a high-speed train.

Today, we’ll immerse ourselves in the vibrant pulse of central Madrid. Our morning begins with a comprehensive tour of the city's most iconic landmarks, including the elegant Paseo del Prado, the majestic Cibeles and Neptuno fountains, and the historic Puerta de Alcalá. We’ll then meander through Plaza de Colón and the bustling Plaza Mayor, each brimming with Madrid's lively atmosphere. Our next stop is the serene Retiro Park, where we’ll explore its lush gardens, tranquil lake, and the stunning Palacio de Cristal. The day continues with an exciting visit to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home to the legendary Real Madrid. Admission is included, giving you the opportunity to explore the world of one of the greatest football clubs. The afternoon is yours to enjoy at your own pace, whether it’s further exploring the city or simply relaxing. In the evening, we’ll offer a return transfer to your hotel, concluding a brilliant day in Spain’s vibrant capital.

Following breakfast, our journey concludes, leaving you with cherished memories of your travels.