Madrid, Basque Country and Paris

Free day. We’ll offer you an optional visit to the historic city of TOLEDO.

We’ll set off for Castile, traveling through beautiful mountain landscapes. Our first stop will be Segovia, where we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar.We’ll continue our journey on charming little roads that will allow us to appreciate the towns and landscapes on the way to Pedraza, often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. This strongly fortified medieval town features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a picturesque Plaza Mayor, and a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There will be free time for a walk. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the old town, where you can visit the numerous taverns and bars to sample the famous “pintxos.”

After breakfast, we’ll take a guided tour of BILBAO, where the standout attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its striking exterior architecture, the old town, or the city’s medieval center, with its lively streets and cathedral. After, there will be free time for a stroll and lunch. We recommend the La Ribera Market, where you can sample traditional Basque cuisine in a boat-like structure overlooking the river.After lunch, we’ll depart for GUERNICA, a town known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages.We’ll continue to HONDARRIBIA (Fuenterrabía), a picturesque coastal town with beaches, ancient walls, a maritime atmosphere, and a historic center. The grid layout of its narrow, cobbled streets will charm you as you explore the old town and enjoy dinner.We’ll then head to SAN SEBASTIAN, arriving by the end of the day. Our hotel is usually located atop Mount Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of this elegant, lit city.

In the morning, we will visit the Basque Cider Museum. Free time in SAN SEBASTIAN and a pintxos tasting. In the afternoon, we travel toward Castile, with a stop in BURGOS to admire its Gothic cathedral. Arrival in MADRID at the end of the day.In the morning, after admiring the views over the Bay of San Sebastián from Mount Igueldo, we will head to the Basque Cider Museum (entrance and tasting included) to learn about the traditions and production of this popular drink. Afterwards, free time to enjoy the city’s great beach, stroll along its boulevards, or explore the Old Town.We will also include a pintxos experience, tasting these delicious small bites so typical of Basque cuisine, accompanied by a drink.In the early afternoon, we cross into France. Arrival in BORDEAUX at the end of the day. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

We’ll journey through the wine and cognac regions to the Loire Valley, where we’ll visit Château de Chambord, arguably the most spectacular castle in the area (admission included). Enjoy free time for lunch before we head to PARIS, arriving in the evening.

We’ll immerse ourselves in the rich history of FRANCE at the magnificent Palace of Versailles (admission not included), renowned for its stunning gardens. On our return to PARIS, we’ll visit Montmartre, a charming bohemian neighborhood famous for its artists, painters, and cabarets. To fully appreciate the grandeur of Paris, we’ll embark on a panoramic city tour with a local guide, showcasing the city’s impressive avenues and iconic monuments. Afterward, we’ll return to the hotel. For those interested, there is an optional variety show in the evening.​

We’ll start our day in central PARIS, beginning with a visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower. You´ll have the chance to go up to the second floor of this famous iron landmark (tickets included). Afterwards, we’ll enjoy a relaxing boat cruise along the Seine, which will last approximately one hour and fifteen minutes. You’ll have a free afternoon to explore the city at your own pace (transfer back to the hotel not included).Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.