From Paris to Lisbon A European Adventure

Upon arriving in Paris, we will arrange your transfer to the hotel, offering you some free time to unwind and explore at your leisure. In the afternoon, you will receive details about the commencement of your tour from signage at the hotel reception or directly from us. It's important to note that this tour allows for travellers to join or leave at different stages, which may result in changes to the group composition during the journey. However, rest assured the group will always remain within the designated size limits. 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.

On our second day in Paris, we will delve into the splendour of French history at the renowned Palace of Versailles, famous for its breathtaking gardens. Please note that admission is not included. After our return to the city, we'll explore Montmartre, a delightful bohemian district known for its vibrant community of artists, painters, and historic cabarets. To further capture the essence of Paris, we will embark on a panoramic city tour led by a knowledgeable local guide. This tour will showcase the city's remarkable avenues and iconic landmarks. We will then head back to our hotel. In the evening, there is an optional variety show for those interested in experiencing more of Paris's cultural offerings.

We begin our day in the heart of Paris with a visit to the Eiffel Tower, where you will have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor of this iconic landmark admission is included. Following this, we will enjoy a soothing cruise along the Seine River, lasting around an hour and fifteen minutes, offering unique views of the city's landmarks from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure. At 5:30 p.m., we will depart Paris and travel to the Loire Valley, arriving in Tours, the regional capital, during the evening. We recommend taking a leisurely stroll through the charming historic centre and perhaps enjoying dinner at one of its delightful restaurants. Please note that due to possible long wait times at the Eiffel Tower, your visit may be rescheduled to another time or day for logistical reasons.

On our fourth day, we will journey into the heart of the French countryside, travelling through picturesque vineyards to reach the vibrant city of Bordeaux. Known for its historic centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Bordeaux offers you the chance to roam and discover its charms. Consider visiting the iconic Port of the Moon and the impressive Cathedral of St. Andrew during your exploration. After a leisurely lunch, our journey continues as we head towards the Pyrenees, arriving in the serene town of Lourdes by late afternoon. Here, you'll have the unique opportunity to participate in the famed candlelight procession, occurring from late March to the end of October, and visit various revered sites of pilgrimage. Dinner this evening is included at the hotel, providing a perfect end to your day.

As we venture through the south of France today, our first destination is Carcassonne, a city distinguished by its remarkable medieval walls. Here, youll have some time to explore at your leisure, perhaps strolling along the cobbled streets and appreciating the rich history encapsulated within its fortifications. After lunch, we continue to Narbonne, offering you free time to uncover this historic Occitan city's charm, characterized by its quaint old town and vibrant cultural atmosphere. Later in the day, we set off for Marseille, Frances bustling second-largest city. Upon arrival, we suggest taking a leisurely walk through the lively Vieux-Port (Old Port), an area teeming with life and home to cosy cafs and restaurants where you can soak up the local ambiance.

Today, we invite you to delve into the captivating region of Provence. Our journey begins with a visit to Aix-en-Provence, the birthplace of the renowned painter Paul Czanne. Here, you'll have time to explore the charming historic centre, characterised by its narrow streets, fountains, and delightful squares. We will then continue to Avignon, a city encircled by medieval walls, where you can enjoy a leisurely walk and lunch. Avignon, once the home of the Catholic popes and known as the 'second Rome', became part of France in 1791. Its magnificent Palace of the Popes serves as a testament to its illustrious past. Our next stop is the Pont du Gard, an awe-inspiring Roman aqueduct and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where admission is included. This historic monument is celebrated for being one of the most spectacular and well-preserved of its kind. As our day draws to a close, we head towards Catalonia, arriving in the vibrant city of Barcelona in the evening.

Today, we begin with a panoramic tour of Barcelona, a captivating European capital set along the Mediterranean. The city is renowned for its modernist architecture by Gaud, the lively Ramblas, and its storied past marked by events like the Universal Exposition and the Olympics. After exploring the highlights of the city, youll have the afternoon free to delve deeper into this vibrant metropolis at your own pace. In the evening, we will transport you to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining complex by the waterfront, close to Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely evening stroll and select from an array of dining options to finish your day with a taste of the local atmosphere.

On day eight, we will journey south along the Mediterranean, pausing in the beautifully preserved coastal town of Pescola. This walled community, surrounded by a stunning landscape, invites you to wander its charming streets. Following our stop, we will continue to Valencia, a bustling port city on the eastern coast. We arrive around lunchtime, providing the perfect opportunity to indulge in the city's famous paella. We'll resume our journey at approximately 4:30 p.m., taking a moment to visit the City of Arts and Sciencesa remarkable architectural complex showcasing Valencia's modern edge. We then proceed to Madrid, expecting to arrive between 8:30 and 9:00 p.m. To welcome you to the capital, we include a transfer to Plaza Mayor. This vibrant square is an ideal spot to savour local pinchos or a glass of wine at one of its numerous eateries. Please note that depending on the group size, the journey from Valencia to Madrid may be conducted via high-speed train.

We will commence our day with an extensive tour of central Madrid, featuring landmarks such as the Paseo del Prado, the elegant squares of Cibeles, Neptuno, and Puerta de Alcal, as well as the vibrant Plaza de Coln and the grand Plaza Mayor. Our exploration continues as we stroll through the serene Retiro Park, a green haven in the city, where we will encounter the tranquil lake and the striking Palacio de Cristal. For football enthusiasts, a visit to the famed Santiago Bernabu Stadium, home to the legendary Real Madrid, is included. In the afternoon, you are free to explore Madrid at your own leisure. Our day will conclude with a convenient transfer back to the hotel in the evening.

On day ten, we will set off from Madrid bright and early, heading through the landscapes of La Mancha. Our first stop will be the quaint village of Puerto Lpice, conjuring images of Don Quixote. From there, we will continue southwards into the heart of Andalusia via the Despeaperros region, eventually reaching Granada. Lunch will be provided upon our arrival. In the afternoon, for those who have chosen the option to visit the Alhambra, we will explore this magnificent palace and its stunning Generalife Gardens. Both were constructed during the Arab period and offer a rich historical experience, guided by a knowledgeable local. Please be aware that entry to the Alhambra is strictly controlled. To secure your place, tickets must be requested at the time of booking, and your full name and passport or ID number must be provided. Its important to note that tickets are non-refundable, even in cases of cancellation. In the unlikely event that a visit to the Alhambra is not possible, we will instead explore the Royal Alczar of Seville, another site of great historical and architectural interest.

Our journey begins with a morning departure from Granada as we set off for the Costa del Sol. Our first stop is Malaga, where we'll explore the historic district, renowned for its impressive cathedral and the Picasso Museum. Continuing along the scenic coastal highway, we soak in the picturesque views of the Mediterranean's azure waters. We'll then arrive at Puerto Bans in Marbella, a sophisticated recreational harbour known for its stunning charm. In the afternoon, our adventure takes us through the mountains, where we hear captivating tales of local bandits before reaching the picturesque town of Ronda. Ronda is famed for its dramatic cliffside setting and the breathtaking gorge that divides it. We'll conclude our day in Seville, arriving in the evening, where dinner will be served at the hotel.

This morning, we embark on a tour of Seville, where you'll discover some of the city's most iconic attractions. We'll visit the magnificent cathedral with its famous Giralda bell tower, stroll along the banks of the scenic Guadalquivir River, and explore the charming, historic neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana. Following this, we'll enjoy a relaxing boat ride along the Guadalquivir River, offering stunning panoramic views of Seville's skyline. As evening falls, you'll have the chance to attend an optional flamenco show at a local tablao, immersing yourself in the passionate rhythms of this traditional Spanish dance.

Departing Seville, our journey takes us through picturesque landscapes of gentle hills and vast pastures an introduction to the scenic beauty of Extremadura. Our first stop is Mrida, where we explore the Archaeological Ensemble, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre. Here, you'll have some time to enjoy lunch and wander through the lively pedestrianised historic centre, known for its charming eateries and local appeal. We then travel onwards to Portugal, arriving in vora, another revered World Heritage Site. Discover its enchanting whitewashed streets, impressive Renaissance palaces, and the grand cathedral before we continue to Lisbon, arriving in the evening.

Our day in Lisbon begins with a captivating sightseeing tour of Portugal's capital, famously known as the city of seven hills. Well wander through its charming alleys, taking in the iconic azulejos tiles and absorbing the city's nostalgic "saudade" ambiance. Lisbons dazzling Atlantic light provides a picturesque backdrop to our exploration. Our journey also takes us to the historic Belm neighbourhood, a significant area from which the great Portuguese navigators embarked on their ocean-crossing voyages in the 15th century. In the afternoon, youll have free time to explore at your leisure. We suggest visiting Bairro Alto, where you can enjoy panoramic views from its famous lookout point. If you wish, theres an optional excursion to the nearby towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril, each offering their own unique charm and sites. Our day concludes with a transfer back to the hotel from the vibrant Restauradores Square, an area teeming with lively bars and inviting cafes, perfect for soaking up the local culture.

On our final day, following a hearty breakfast, our adventure concludes in Lisbon. We trust you've gathered wonderful memories of this journey, leaving you inspired by the experiences and cultural insights encountered along our route. Safe travels on your onward journey!