Journey Through Historic Spain and France - 9 Days

Upon your arrival in Madrid, we embark on a journey through the charming region of Castile, known for its magnificent mountain landscapes. Our first destination is Segovia, where you'll enjoy a beautiful drive that leads to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos. This viewpoint offers stunning views of the Alcazar of Segovia, a fortress that served as inspiration for the castle in Walt Disney's Sleeping Beauty. You'll also notice the city's impressive medieval walls. We will then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, an engineering marvel from the 1st century that remained in use until the 1970s and is now honoured as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you have time to wander the charming old town, enjoy a leisurely lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where the cathedral and the Alcazar await your exploration.

As we journey on, we’ll take delightful routes through the countryside to reach Pedraza, renowned as one of Spain's most picturesque villages. This fortified medieval town boasts cobblestone streets, historic structures, a quaint Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century castle. You’ll have time to stroll and soak in the historical atmosphere. Later in the afternoon, we continue our adventure by heading north to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. In this vibrant city, you have free time to explore the old town, where countless taverns and bars offer the chance to sample the famous pintxos, a local culinary delight. 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.

After breakfast, we embark on a guided tour of Bilbao, where the architectural marvel of the Guggenheim Museum takes centre stage. We also explore the medieval heart of the city, with its lively streets and majestic cathedral. Afterward, you have some free time to take a stroll and enjoy lunch. We suggest visiting the La Ribera Market, a striking boat-like structure by the river, where you can indulge in traditional Basque cuisine.

Following lunch, we journey to Guernica, a town marked by the harrowing events of the Spanish Civil War, immortalised in Picasso's renowned painting. Here, you can view the historic Tree of Gernika, under which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy in the Middle Ages.

Next, we continue to the charming coastal town of Hondarribia. Known for its inviting beaches, historic walls, and maritime vibe, Hondarribia's old town is a delight to explore with its cobblestone streets and rich history – the perfect setting for an early evening dinner.

Our journey will conclude in San Sebastian, where we'll arrive by day's end. Our accommodation is typically located atop Mount Igueldo, offering panoramic views of the illuminated, stylish city below – a splendid backdrop to end the day.

We'll begin our day with stunning panoramic views over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo. Next, we visit the elegant Miramar Palace and its serene gardens. You’ll then have some time to unwind on the city’s expansive beach or enjoy a leisurely stroll along its picturesque boulevards. Don't miss the chance to savour traditional Basque cuisine during our included pintxo experience, accompanied by a local drink. In the early afternoon, we'll set off for France, arriving in Bordeaux by the evening. We suggest a pleasant walk through the historic city centre to round off your day.

On day four, you’ll discover the enchanting city of Bordeaux, whose entire centre is designated a World Heritage Site. Begin by wandering through the historic old town, with its inviting pedestrian streets and the splendour of an 11th-century cathedral. The "Water Mirror," a remarkable reflective pool, will surely captivate your senses. Take advantage of some free time to amble along the Garonne River banks, where an array of delightful restaurants invite you for a leisurely lunch. Alternatively, you might choose to visit the Cité du Vin, an innovative museum offering an intriguing insight into the history and craft of wine-making.

In the afternoon, we continue our journey towards the majestic Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. Here, you’ll have an opportunity to visit the renowned sanctuary, a spiritual destination for many. We suggest participating in the serene candlelit procession. The day's experiences are capped with an included dinner, allowing you to reflect on the day’s cultural and scenic delights.

On day five, we'll journey through the picturesque south of France, pausing in the remarkable city of Carcassonne. Renowned for its stunning medieval fortress walls, you'll have the opportunity to stroll and explore the city's historic charm. Post-lunch, our travels continue to Narbonne, a city steeped in history with its delightful old town. Enjoy some free time to discover its unique character. By late afternoon, we’ll reach Marseille, France's vibrant second-largest city. We suggest a visit to the lively Vieux-Port, the city's Old Port, with its buzzing atmosphere and tempting array of small eateries that perfectly encapsulate Marseille's charm.

Today, we journey through the beautiful Provence region, beginning in Aix-en-Provence – the birthplace of the renowned painter Paul Cézanne. You’ll have the opportunity to explore its delightful historic centre, meandering through charming narrow streets, admiring its many fountains, and relaxing in picturesque squares. Our next stop is Avignon, a city once known as the "second Rome" due to its status as the seat of the Catholic popes until 1791 when it was annexed to France. Here, enjoy a stroll and perhaps indulge in lunch within the walled city on the Rhône’s banks. Avignon's impressive Palace of the Popes stands as a testament to its significant past. We then take you to visit the Pont du Gard, a remarkable Roman aqueduct and UNESCO World Heritage Site – admission is included. This awe-inspiring monument is one of the most iconic and best-preserved relics of Roman engineering. Our day concludes as we make our way towards Catalonia, arriving in Barcelona by evening.

We begin our exploration of Barcelona with a morning tour, showcasing this vibrant European capital's highlights. Set along the beautiful Mediterranean coast, the city is famed for Gaudí's distinctive modernist architecture and its lively atmosphere, epitomised by the bustling Ramblas. Barcelona's rich cultural tapestry has been shaped by events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. After our tour, you will have the rest of the afternoon free to delve deeper into the city's charms or simply relax and soak in the Catalonian atmosphere. In the evening, we'll head to Maremagnum, a modern seaside complex near Plaza de Colón, which offers an enticing array of dining and entertainment options. Here, you can enjoy an evening stroll and choose from a variety of restaurants, rounding off your day in this captivating city.

Our adventure today begins as we journey southwards along the shimmering Mediterranean coast. Our first destination is the delightful seaside town of Peñíscola, known for its enchanting walled old town nestled by the sea amidst beautiful landscapes. Here, we will enjoy a leisurely stroll, soaking up the coastal charm.

Following our visit, we continue to the dynamic city of Valencia, a major port city on the Levantine coast, anticipated to arrive around lunchtime. Here is your chance to sample authentic paella, a Valencian specialty.

At approximately 4:30 p.m., our itinerary leads us to a brief exploration of Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, an architectural marvel of modern design. Post-visit, we head towards Madrid, expecting to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 in the evening. Note that, depending on our group size, this leg of the journey might be conducted via high-speed train, offering a swift and comfortable return to the capital.

After breakfast, our journey concludes in Madrid, marking the end of your adventure. We hope you depart with cherished memories of the captivating destinations and experiences shared throughout the tour. Safe travels as you continue your journey or return home.