Madrid to Paris A European Odyssey - 9 Days

Upon your arrival in Madrid, the morning is yours to leisurely explore the city or relax as you see fit. In the afternoon, we will embark on a panoramic tour of the city, showcasing some of the Spanish capital's most iconic sites. Our exploration will take us past the stately Royal Palace, the impressive Cibeles Fountain, and the renowned Paseo del Prado, home to some of the world's finest museums. The tour culminates at the bustling Plaza Mayor, where you can indulge in the vibrant local nightlife. Enjoy immersing yourself in the lively atmosphere, perhaps sampling the local tapas or mingling with the locals. 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.

Enjoy a day at your own pace in Madrid. We have arranged an optional excursion to Toledo, a historic city renowned for its rich cultural heritage and well-preserved medieval architecture. Known as the "City of Three Cultures," Toledo showcases a unique blend of Christian, Muslim, and Jewish influences, having been home to these communities for centuries. The city's iconic landmarks include the Alc�zar fortress, the Gothic Cathedral, and the Synagogue of Santa Mar�a la Blanca. Enjoy discovering the cobbled streets and exploring the wealth of history this city has to offer.

On the third day, we venture into the enchanting landscapes of Castile, taking in the beauty of the surrounding mountains as we travel. Our first destination is the historic city of Segovia. Here, we follow a scenic route to the Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, offering breathtaking views of the Alc�zar of Segovia. This monumental castle, with its dramatic walls, served as inspiration for Walt Disney's Maleficent's castle in Sleeping Beauty. We then make our way to the iconic Roman Aqueduct, an impressive engineering feat constructed in the 1st century, which remained in use until 1973, and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll have some free time to explore the charming old town, perhaps enjoy lunch, and visit landmarks like the Plaza Mayor, the cathedral, or the Alc�zar itself.

Continuing our journey, we take picturesque routes through the countryside to Pedraza, a village renowned for its medieval charm. As you wander the cobblestone streets, you'll discover the fortified town�s historical buildings and the quaint Plaza Mayor, along with a castle dating from the 13th century. You'll have time to explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, we head towards the Basque Country, arriving in the vibrant city of Bilbao. You're free to stroll through the old town, where you can indulge in the local culinary delight of pintxos at its many bustling taverns and bars.

After breakfast, we'll explore the vibrant city of Bilbao on a guided tour. Highlights include the Guggenheim Museum, renowned for its avant-garde architecture, and the charming medieval centre, where lively streets embrace the city's rich history. You'll also have free time to wander and enjoy lunch�why not visit the La Ribera Market, a riverside venue offering traditional Basque dishes?

Post-lunch, we'll continue to Guernica, a town etched in history as the site of a significant Civil War tragedy immortalised in Picasso's painting. Here, you�ll see the famous Tree of Gernika, a symbol of Basque freedom dating back to the Middle Ages.

Our journey then takes us to Hondarribia, a coastal gem with its inviting beaches and well-preserved ancient walls. Strolling through its historic centre, you'll find yourself charmed by the grid of narrow, cobbled streets and the maritime atmosphere, capped off with a delightful dinner.

As the day winds down, we head to the sophisticated city of San Sebasti�n, arriving at our hotel located on Mount Igueldo. From this vantage point, be prepared for one of the most stunning views of the illuminated cityscape to end your day.

This morning, we'll take in the stunning views over San Sebasti�n Bay from the elevated vantage of Mount Igueldo. Following this, we will visit the splendid Miramar Palace and its beautifully landscaped gardens. You'll then have some leisure time to unwind on the expansive beach or enjoy a pleasant walk along the charming boulevards of the city. We'll treat you to a taste of traditional Basque cuisine with a pintxo experience, complemented by a refreshing drink. Early in the afternoon, we'll set off for France, arriving in Bordeaux by evening. Once there, we suggest taking a leisurely stroll through the city centre to soak in its vibrant atmosphere.

As we embark on day six, our journey takes us through the renowned wine and cognac regions en route to the picturesque Loire Valley. Here, we will visit the Ch�teau de Chambord, a masterpiece of French Renaissance architecture, famous for its stunning design and intricate detailing. Admission is included, allowing ample time to explore this historic and awe-inspiring site at your own pace. After some free time to enjoy lunch in the beautiful Loire Valley surroundings, we resume our journey to Paris, aiming to reach the vibrant city by evening. After settling in, you'll have the opportunity to unwind and soak in the Parisian ambience.

Today, we delve into the opulent history of France at the renowned Palace of Versailles. Although admission is at your own expense, the splendour of its artistic gardens and Baroque architecture is not to be missed. Following our visit, we return to the heart of Paris and explore the bohemian charm of Montmartre. This vibrant area is steeped in artistic history, with streets once frequented by famous painters and lively cabarets. Our afternoon unfolds with a guided panoramic tour of Paris, showcasing its grand avenues and celebrated landmarks. As the city unveils its beauty, we will return to the hotel later in the day. In the evening, you may opt to experience a dazzling variety show, adding another layer of enchantment to your Parisian adventure.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the renowned Eiffel Tower. You'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second level of this iconic iron structure, with tickets included for your convenience. Following this, we will relax on a scenic boat cruise along the River Seine, lasting approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. The afternoon will be yours to explore the city's wonders at your leisure�please note that return transfers to the hotel are not included. Should queues at the Eiffel Tower prove too lengthy, we may reschedule your visit to a more convenient time or on a later day.

After breakfast, our journey draws to a close, leaving you with a treasure trove of wonderful memories from your travels.