Grand Tour of Southern Europe's Gems

Welcome to Paris! Upon your arrival, well arrange a transfer to your hotel where you can unwind. Later in the afternoon, you'll receive essential details about the commencement of your tour. This information will either be provided in person or conveniently displayed on information boards at the hotel reception. Take this time to relax and explore the vibrant, bustling city at your own pace. 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 the second day of our adventure, we delve into France's fascinating history with a visit to the splendid Palace of Versailles. Known for its exquisite gardens, our morning exploration does not include the admission fee, allowing you to tailor your visit according to your preferences. After taking in the grandeur of Versailles, we return to the city to wander through Montmartre, a picturesque bohemian quarter renowned for its vibrant artistic scene, featuring painters, street performers, and cabarets. Our exploration of the city continues with a panoramic tour guided by a local expert, providing a sweeping view of Pariss broad avenues and iconic monuments. This immersive experience reveals the true allure of the French capital. Following our city tour, we return to the hotel where you can unwind. For an enchanting evening, you may choose to attend an optional variety show, offering a delightful glimpse into the vibrant cultural tapestry of Paris.

We begin the day with an early morning visit to the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, where you'll have the opportunity to ascend to the second floor admission is included. Following this, we will take a leisurely one-hour and fifteen-minute cruise along the Seine River, offering a unique perspective of the city's charm from the water. The afternoon is yours to explore Paris at your leisure, whether it be indulging in the local cuisine, shopping, or visiting the numerous museums the city has to offer. At 5:30 p.m., we set off for the picturesque Loire Valley, where we will arrive in the evening at Tours, the heart of the region. Once settled, we suggest you wander through the beautiful historic centre of Tours and perhaps enjoy dinner at one of the delightful local restaurants. Please note that due to potential long wait times to ascend the Eiffel Tower, the visit might be rescheduled to an alternative time or day for logistical reasons.

Today, we journey south through the beautiful vineyards of France. Our first stop is Bordeaux, where the town centre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, awaits your exploration. You'll have time for lunch and to discover landmarks such as the Port of the Moon and the Cathedral of St. Andrew. Our adventure continues towards the Pyrenees as we reach Lourdes in the late afternoon. Here, you may choose to attend the candlelight procession, held from late March to the end of October, or visit the various places of worship that this spiritual location offers. Dinner will be provided at your hotel, rounding off a culturally enriching day.

We will traverse the south of France, starting our day in the enchanting city of Carcassonne. Here, you'll have time to explore this captivating location known for its impressive medieval walls, magnificent castle, and the picturesque district of La Cit, where you can also enjoy lunch. Our journey then takes us towards the majestic Pyrenees, stopping briefly in the historic town of Foix, noted for the imposing Chteau de Foix. Continuing through the Pyrenees, renowned for their snow-capped peaks visible throughout the year, we make a short visit to Sant Joan de Caselles, a small Romanesque church dating from the 12th century. We then proceed to Andorra la Vella, the intriguing capital of Andorra, where Catalan is the official language. You'll have free time to either explore the bustling city and its vibrant commercial life or relax at Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner will be provided, giving you a taste of local hospitality.

You'll have free time in Andorra to indulge in shopping or a leisurely stroll. Post-lunch, our journey continues into Catalonia, navigating the beautiful mountain countryside to the awe-inspiring Santa Maria de Montserrat Abbey. We'll take a rack train ride up the mountain (included in the itinerary) to savour the breathtaking views. After exploring this remarkable sanctuary, we head to Barcelona, arriving by late afternoon.

In the morning, we will embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, celebrated as one of Europe's most captivating capitals. Nestled along the Mediterranean coast, Barcelona is renowned for its vibrant culture, characterised by Gauds remarkable modernist architecture, the bustling Ramblas, and a rich history marked by events such as the Universal Exposition and the Olympic Games. The afternoon offers you free time to further explore the city at your leisure. In the evening, we'll provide transport to Maremagnum, an entertainment and dining hub by the sea near Plaza de Coln. Here, you can enjoy a pleasant evening stroll and select from a variety of dining options.

Today, we'll embark on a journey south along the Mediterranean coast, setting off towards the enchanting town of Peniscola. Known for its captivating medieval walls and scenic beaches, this charming locale offers a perfect spot for a leisurely stroll. Continuing our journey, we'll proceed to Valencia, aiming to arrive around lunchtime. This vibrant port city on Spain's Levantine coast boasts a rich history spanning over 2,000 years, with architectural marvels from various eras. In the afternoon, a local guide will lead us through Valencia, where the modern wonders of the City of Arts and Sciences stand in striking contrast to its historical treasures. Following the guided tour, you'll have some free time to further explore Valencia at your own pace. To cap off the day, we'll gather for a traditional local dinner, immersing ourselves in the flavours of this fascinating region.

We continue our journey to the captivating city of Alicante, where you'll enjoy a relaxing stroll along its picturesque coast. After lunch, our adventure takes us to the Murcia region to visit Caravaca de la Cruz. Recognised as a Holy City by the Roman Catholic Church, this location holds a cherished relic of the Cross. We'll take a scenic ride on the tourist train to explore its historic area. As our day progresses, we'll travel through beautiful landscapes en route to Andalusia, concluding the day in the vibrant city of Granada. Dinner will be provided upon our arrival, offering a taste of local cuisine.

We will spend an entire day exploring the captivating city of Granada. If your tour includes tickets, we shall delve into the magnificent Alhambra Palace and its breathtaking Generalife Gardensboth emblematic masterpieces from the Arab era. In the afternoon, you're free to wander and uncover the city's treasures, such as the cathedral that houses the tombs of the Catholic Monarchs. It is crucial to note that entry to the Alhambra is strictly controlled by law, so your tickets will be confirmed with your tour reservation. Ensure you provide accurate personal details, including your full name and passport or ID number. Please be aware that ticket costs are non-refundable in the event of a cancellation. On rare occasions when a visit to the Alhambra isn't feasible, we will instead explore the Royal Alczar of Seville, which holds similar historical and architectural significance.

We depart from Granada, venturing towards the renowned Costa del Sol. Our first destination is Malaga, where you can wander through its historic district, known for its impressive cathedral and the Picasso Museum. We then continue along the coastal highway, offering us scenic views of the Mediterranean, and arrive at the sophisticated marina of Puerto Bans in Marbella. In the afternoon, we journey through the mountains, hearing tales of bandits, before reaching the enchanting town of Ronda. Here, you'll be captivated by its dramatic cliffs and the deep gorge that divides the town. Our day concludes in Seville, where we arrive in the evening and enjoy an included dinner at the hotel.

Today we delve into the vibrant city of Seville. Our morning kicks off with an engaging city tour, where youll see Seville's captivating cathedral, famously crowned by the Giralda tower. We'll also explore the picturesque banks of the Guadalquivir River and the charming neighbourhoods of Santa Cruz and Triana, each offering their own unique allure. Following the tour, we'll embark on a relaxing boat cruise along the Guadalquivir River, providing a stunning panorama of the city's beautiful architecture and historic bridges. As the evening approaches, you might wish to immerse yourself in traditional Spanish culture by attending a flamenco performance at a popular tablao a perfect way to conclude your day in Seville.

Today, we depart from the vibrant city of Seville and journey through scenic rolling hills and vast pasturelands to reach Extremadura. Our next stop is Mrida, where we have included admission to the Archaeological Ensemble, featuring the remarkably well-preserved Roman Theatre and Amphitheatre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Here, you'll have time to enjoy lunch and explore the lively pedestrianised historic centre, known for its inviting array of restaurants and local charm. Our journey continues into Portugal, stopping at vora, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. This city enchants with its whitewashed streets, Renaissance palaces, and majestic cathedral. We will conclude the day by arriving in Lisbon in the evening.

In the morning, we will take a sightseeing tour of Lisbon, exploring this vibrant capital known for its seven hills. As we meander through the charming alleys adorned with iconic tiles, you may sense the unique 'saudade' and witness the captivating Atlantic light that bathes the city. Our visit will include the Belem neighbourhood, a historic area where Portuguese navigators began their great oceanic voyages in the 15th century. The afternoon offers you free time to wander around, perhaps exploring Bairro Alto with its scenic viewpoint. Alternatively, you might opt for a trip to the picturesque towns of Sintra, Cascais, and Estoril. In the evening, well return to the hotel, departing from the lively Restauradores Square, where you'll find an array of vibrant bars and cafes.

After enjoying breakfast, our journey will conclude, leaving you with cherished memories of your adventure. We hope the experiences you've gathered will stay with you long after you return home.