Paris, Lourdes, Côte d Azur, Provence and Barcelona with Madrid

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.​

Today our guide will optionally offer a boat ride on the Seine River and a walk through the Latin Quarter. If you prefer, you may enjoy free time instead.At 5:00 p.m. we depart from PARIS towards the Loire Valley. Arrival in TOURS at the end of the afternoon, the capital of the Loire, where we recommend taking a stroll and having dinner in its beautiful historic center.

Today we’ll journey to the south of FRANCE through vineyards, arriving in BORDEAUX, whose town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore. We suggest visiting the Port of the Moon and the Cathedral of St. Andrew. We’ll then continue towards the Pyrenees, reaching LOURDES in the late afternoon. Here, you can attend the candlelight procession (held from late March to the end of October) and visit various places of worship. Dinner will be included at the hotel for all our passengers.

We’ll travel through the south of France, stopping in Carcassonne, a city surrounded by some of the most beautiful walls in Europe. You´ll have time to walk and explore. After lunch, we’ll continue to Narbonne, where you’ll have free time to discover this historic Occitan city with its picturesque old town. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city. We recommend a walk through its vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), bustling with life and dotted with charming small restaurants.

Today, we’ll explore the enchanting region of Provence. Our first stop will be Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne. You’ll have time to wander through its beautiful historic center, with its charming narrow streets, fountains, and picturesque squares. Next, we’ll visit Avignon, where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy lunch in this walled city on the banks of the Rhône. Once the seat of the Catholic popes, Avignon was known as the "second Rome" until it became part of France in 1791. The immense Palace of the Popes stands as a reminder of its grand history. We’ll then visit the Pont du Gard, where admission is included to this awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most famous and best-preserved Roman monuments in the world. Our journey will conclude as we head toward Catalonia, arriving in Barcelona in the evening.

In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a charming walled town by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, a vibrant port city on the Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Will you try the famous paella? At approximately 04:30 p.m., we’ll continue our journey to Madrid, but not before making a brief stop at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. We’ll arrive in Madrid between 08:30 and 09:00 p.m. As a way of welcoming you to the city, we’ll include a transfer to the Plaza Mayor, a popular spot to enjoy pinchos or wine at one of its many restaurants.Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by high-speed train.

The morning will begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, featuring highlights like Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. We’ll then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the city center, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid—considered by many to be the best football club in the world. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.

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