Journey Through Spain and France - 9 Days

Welcome to the start of your journey as we embark on an adventure through the captivating landscapes of Castile. Leaving Madrid, we'll travel amidst stunning mountainous scenery, setting our first stop in the historic city of Segovia. Here, we'll take in the breathtaking views from the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, offering the most striking vistas of the Alcazar of Segovia – a fairy-tale castle said to have inspired the iconic Disney castle. We'll pause near the city's famed Roman Aqueduct, an engineering marvel from the 1st century and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will then have some free time to wander Segovia's charming old town, perhaps visit the Plaza Mayor with its cathedral and explore the Alcazar.

Our journey continues on quaint country roads as we head to Pedraza, a beautifully preserved medieval town renowned for its cobblestone streets and 13th-century fortress. Enjoy some leisure time here to soak in the rich history and atmosphere. In the afternoon, we'll drive toward the Basque Country, arriving in the lively city of Bilbao. Here, you're free to explore the vibrant old town at your own pace, where you can savour the famed local pintxos in one of the many traditional bars and taverns. 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.

Following breakfast, we will embark on a guided tour of Bilbao, where the highlight is the Guggenheim Museum – renowned for its innovative architecture. We will also explore the old town, steeped in history, with its bustling streets and impressive cathedral. After the tour, you'll have some free time to wander and enjoy lunch. We suggest visiting La Ribera Market, a unique spot resembling a ship, where you can delve into traditional Basque dishes whilst overlooking the river.

In the afternoon, we journey to Guernica, a town that stands as a poignant reminder of a tragic event during the Spanish Civil War, famously captured in Picasso's painting. Here, you will see the Tree of Gernika, an emblem of Basque freedom granted during the Middle Ages.

Continuing our tour, we will reach Hondarribia, a delightful coastal town adorned with beaches, historic fortifications, and a charming old centre. Its cobbled streets offer a captivating atmosphere as you explore at your leisure and choose somewhere inviting for dinner.

We will then travel on to San Sebastián, arriving by evening. Our accommodation is typically situated on Mount Igueldo, providing one of the most spectacular panoramic views over the city's elegant nightscape.

On the third day of our journey, we begin by taking in the stunning vistas over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo. Next, we visit the Miramar Palace, with its charming gardens offering a serene setting to start the day. You'll then have the opportunity to relax on the city's expansive beach or enjoy a pleasant walk along its elegant boulevards. We'll include a quintessential Basque experience, indulging in traditional pintxos accompanied by a refreshing drink. Early in the afternoon, we'll set off for France, reaching Bordeaux by evening. As the day winds down, I recommend taking a stroll through Bordeaux’s city centre to soak in its vibrant atmosphere.

We begin our day in the enchanting city of Bordeaux, a UNESCO World Heritage Site celebrated for its historic charm. Explore the city's centre, where you'll find the captivating "Water Mirror" and winding pedestrian streets. Take a moment to admire the majestic 11th-century cathedral before enjoying a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Garonne River, which are lined with quaint restaurants perfect for a relaxing lunch. If you're interested, consider visiting the Cité du Vin, an extraordinary interactive museum dedicated to the world 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. We suggest attending the inspiring candlelit procession. Dinner is included for a delightful end to the day's adventures.

Today, we'll journey through the south of France, beginning with a visit to Carcassonne, renowned for its evocative medieval walls and captivating historic centre, La Cit?. You'll have time to explore the site and enjoy lunch within this fabled walled city. Next, we'll head towards the Pyrenees, making a brief stop in Foix, where you'll encounter the remarkable Ch?teau de Foix with its commanding presence over the town. As we travel through the Pyrenees, you'll admire the perpetually snow-capped peaks before we arrive in Andorra, where Catalan is the official language. Our route includes a short stop at the 12th-century Romanesque church, Sant Joan de Caselles. We'll then proceed to Andorra la Vella, the capital, where you'll have free time to explore the vibrant commercial life or perhaps visit Caldea, Europe's largest thermal spa. Dinner will be provided as the day concludes.

After enjoying the morning at leisure in Andorra, where you can indulge in some shopping or take a scenic walk, we’ll head towards Catalonia post-lunch. Our journey will take us through the stunning mountain landscapes to reach the awe-inspiring Abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. We’ll ascend the mountain on a rack train (included), offering spectacular views of the surrounding scenery. Once at the sanctuary, you’ll have time to explore this spiritual and cultural landmark. Later, we’ll proceed to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon, ready to delve into the vibrant energy of this magnificent city.

In the morning, we will set off on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a city celebrated as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Nestled on the shores of the Mediterranean, Barcelona is famed for its vibrant culture, Gaudí's whimsical modernist architecture, and its rich history, including its significant role in the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. You'll have the afternoon free to explore at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary hub for entertainment and dining by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll around this lively area and choose from a delightful array of dining options.

We venture south along the Mediterranean coastline today, stopping in Peñíscola – a fortified seaside town known for its scenic beauty and historic charm. You'll have time to explore its delightful streets and soak up the stunning views. Following this, we proceed to Valencia, a lively port city on Spain’s Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Perhaps this is the perfect time to enjoy a traditional paella? At approximately 4:30 p.m., we resume our journey towards Madrid, but not before a quick visit to Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences, renowned for its cutting-edge architecture. We'll reach Madrid between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. Depending on the number of passengers, the leg from Valencia to Madrid may be via high-speed train.

Following breakfast, our tour concludes, leaving you with wonderful memories of your adventure.