Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
Europe
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One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon’s Place de l’Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera.
Availability
From 25/04/2025 to 07/10/2025
Departure dates & prices
Dates
Availability
Price
What's included
An expert Travel Director and professional Driver.
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
All porterage and restaurant gratuities.
All hotel tips, charges and local taxes.
Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals.
Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing.
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys).
Optional Experiences and free time.
High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid.
On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised.
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Itinerary
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Day 1 Welcome to Paris Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travellers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-?lys?es and Arc de Triomphe.
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Day 2 Explore the Sights of Paris Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a caf? au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.
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Day 3 Chartres and Ch?teaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Ch?teau de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Ch?teau de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.
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Day 4 Onwards to Lyon Travelling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvi?re hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.
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Day 5 Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture Welcome to Nice, France! Upon arrival, your Travel Director will guide you on a scenic orientation drive through the heart of this glamorous city. After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Nice, you'll return to the hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening, ready for the adventures to come.
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Day 6 Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you'll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the C?te d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
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Day 7 Off to Colourful Arles and Carcassonne We travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, with its honey-coloured fa?ades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalised in the works of C?zanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cit?, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
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Day 8 Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dal? Theatre and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dal?. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We'll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaud?'s unfinished La Sagrada Fam?lia, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.
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Day 9 Discover Lively Barcelona Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Pla?a de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaud? dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.
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Day 10 Journey By Train to Madrid Take the train to the Spanish capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
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Day 11 Fiery Madrid Your Way After breakfast, enjoy a full free day at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Madrid.
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Day 12 Farewell Madrid Enjoy breakfast before you are transferred to Madrid Airport for your onward journey home. Dining Summary
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4 - Dinner
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11 - Breakfast Be My Guest Villandry: Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Ch?teau de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines. Dive into Culture Figueres: Visit the Dal? Theatre-Museum, considered Salvador Dal?'s last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world. Iconic Experience Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening. Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris. Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Ch?teau de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction. Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres. Lyon: Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic centre. Ascend Fourvi?re hill for panoramic views of of the city below. Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes. Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera. Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist. Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gr?cia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful fa?ades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Fam?lia Must-see Highlights Explore Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne and Barcelona Discover Avignon, Nice, Monaco and Arles Visit Ch?teau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and the Dal? Theatre and Museum in Figueres View Eiffel Tower and Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Ch?teau de Chambord, the Popes' Palace of Avignon, the Place Mass?na in Nice, Monaco's Royal Palace and Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheatre of Arles and La Sagrada Fam?lia and Columbus Monument in Barcelona Scenic Drive through the Loire Valley
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