

Trip Highlights
Trip Summary
See full itineraryFrom the romantic capital of France to magnificent Madrid, this adventure is packed with art, nature, culture and history. Enjoy the sparkling lights of Paris, visit the royal Chateau at Villandry and hike amongst the towering peaks of the Pyrenees. Cross into Spain and kick back on a sunny beach to recharge before perhaps a big night out. Finally, hit the Spanish capital to discover a multitude of chic boutiques or lose yourself in the wonder of the world-famous Prado and Reina Sofia museums.
| Dates of Departures | Duration | Price (Land Only) | Trip Status | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8 June 2013 | 15 days | $2,535 | Available | Book now | |
| 15 June 2013 | 15 days | $2,535 | Available | Book now | |
| 22 June 2013 | 15 days | $2,535 | Available | Book now | |
| 29 June 2013 | 15 days | $2,873 | Available | Book now | |
| 20 July 2013 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 27 July 2013 | 15 days | $3,315 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 August 2013 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 August 2013 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 24 August 2013 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 September 2013 | 15 days | $3,540 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 September 2013 | 15 days | $3,540 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 September 2013 | 15 days | $3,540 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 October 2013 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 October 2013 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 October 2013 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 November 2013 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 29 March 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 April 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 April 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 April 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 April 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 3 May 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 10 May 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 17 May 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 24 May 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 31 May 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 7 June 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 14 June 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 21 June 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 28 June 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 5 July 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 12 July 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 19 July 2014 | 15 days | $3,380 | Available | Book now | |
| 26 July 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 2 August 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 9 August 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 23 August 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 30 August 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 6 September 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 13 September 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 20 September 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 27 September 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 4 October 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 18 October 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
| 1 November 2014 | 15 days | $3,220 | Available | Book now | |
Paris to Tours (Days 1 - 3)
Bordeaux to Dordogne (Days 4 - 7)
Pyrenees to San Sebastian (Days 8 - 11)
Segovia to Madrid (Days 12 - 15)
As France is such a big country, the weather conditions do vary depending on where you are. The climate in the north and western coastal areas is temperate while the north eastern areas experience a more continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters. Northern areas have some rainfall throughout the year and often experience snow fall in the winter months but the heaviest snow fall and coolest weather usually stays in mountainous areas. The southern and Riviera regions have a Mediterranean climate, ideal at any time of year.
Day 1 Paris
Upon arrival in Paris, why not peruse iconic paintings in the Louvre or sculptures in the Musee Rodin. Alternatively, relax in the Jardin du Luxembourg, go shopping in Marais, descend into the Catacombs or scale the Eiffel Tower.
Days 2-3 Tours
Venture into the Loire Valley, a region renowned for its wealth of art, history and medieval houses. Cycle to the breathtaking Chateau Villandry and take a walk through its manicured Renaissance gardens.
As France is such a big country, the weather conditions do vary depending on where you are. The climate in the north and western coastal areas is temperate while the north eastern areas experience a more continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters. Northern areas have some rainfall throughout the year and often experience snow fall in the winter months but the heaviest snow fall and coolest weather usually stays in mountainous areas. The southern and Riviera regions have a Mediterranean climate, ideal at any time of year.
Days 4-5 Bordeaux
Step back in time in the World Heritage-listed Old Town of Bordeaux. France's internationally acclaimed wine region is a food and wine lover's heaven, so treat taste buds to full-bodied local blends paired with mouth-watering French fare. If feeling energetic, be sure to clamber up the 243 steps of Saint-Michel Basilica's tower.
Days 6-7 Dordogne Region
Travel by train into the Dordogne region and soak up its relaxed pace. Explore the striking limestone scenery of the Dordogne River, visiting sights like the towering Chateau de Beynac on a kayaking excursion. In the evening, why not indulge in a decadent degustation meal in a local restaurant.
As France is such a big country, the weather conditions do vary depending on where you are. The climate in the north and western coastal areas is temperate while the north eastern areas experience a more continental climate with warmer summers and colder winters. Northern areas have some rainfall throughout the year and often experience snow fall in the winter months but the heaviest snow fall and coolest weather usually stays in mountainous areas. The southern and Riviera regions have a Mediterranean climate, ideal at any time of year.
Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and boasts an incredible range of landscapes over 17 regions or autonomous communities. It is a passionate country united by colour, contrast and a 'live for today' attitude. Each region is teemed with different sights, tastes and sounds, from art and culture found in the green hills of the north, to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona where history meets cosmopolitan right down to the mountain range of Sierra Nevada in the south. Let's not forget the Balearics off the east coast; an archipelago offering fiestas, crystal coves and dramatic mountain coasts.
Days 8-9 Pyrenees
Trawl through a spirited local marketplace before heading into the spectacular Pyrenees Mountains. Take in crisp mountain air and awe-inspiring views while enjoying a day of hiking.
Days 10-11 San Sebastian
Travel to Spain and make tracks for the sunny playground of San Sebastian. While here, soak up the sun at La Concha or head down to the Parte Vieja, which apparently boasts the most bars per square metre in all of Spain. If cultural pursuits are of interest, catch a local bus to Bilbao and lose track of time in the incredible Guggenheim Museum, famously shaped like a ship to flatter its portside location.
Spain is the second largest country in Western Europe and boasts an incredible range of landscapes over 17 regions or autonomous communities. It is a passionate country united by colour, contrast and a 'live for today' attitude. Each region is teemed with different sights, tastes and sounds, from art and culture found in the green hills of the north, to the cities of Madrid and Barcelona where history meets cosmopolitan right down to the mountain range of Sierra Nevada in the south. Let's not forget the Balearics off the east coast; an archipelago offering fiestas, crystal coves and dramatic mountain coasts.
Days 12-13 Segovia
Continue onwards to the walled city of Segovia, a picturesque city framed by undulating green mountains. Visit Alcazar, a fairytale castle perched on a cliff and mosey through the World Heritage-listed Old Town.
Days 14-15 Madrid
Discover the captivating Spanish capital, a city bursting with exquisite architecture, superb museums and spectacular nightlife. See timeless masterpieces in the Museo del Prado or visit Reina Sofia to view the Picasso and Miro exhibitions. Perhaps cap off the European adventure with a night on the tiles in one of Madrid's famous nightclubs.
To get a detailed PDF of information for this trip including full itinerary, country guides and travel advice on visas, money, insurance and the local weather, download our trip notes. By doing so you’ll also be kept updated on all the latest news, offers and stories on this particular trip. Happy reading!
Minimum age 18 years. These trips can and do attract a variety of ages and customers will be of different nationalities too. It's all about having a passion for travel which is age-less!
Hotel (14 nts)
The style of accommodation indicated in the day-to-day itinerary is a guideline. On rare occasions, alternative arrangements may need to be made due to the lack of availability of rooms in our usual accommodation. A similar standard of accommodation will be used in these instances.
Accommodation on this trip is on a twin/multishare basis. Please note there may be times when you share a room with passengers travelling on different trips than your own. Throughout the trip we request that our hotels prepare rooms in time for our arrival, especially if we're arriving prior to normal check-in time. However this isn't always possible which means we won't be able to check-in immediately on arrival at some hotels.
Instead, we can store our luggage and explore our new destination.
If you've purchased pre-trip or post-trip accommodation (if available), you may be required to change rooms from your trip accommodation for these extra nights.
Your accommodation may not always have private en suite facilities or air-conditioning. European hotels generally don't provide kettles or fridges.
No meals included
Budget for meals not included: EUR 525.00
While travelling with us you'll experience the vast array of wonderful food available in the world. Your group leader will be able to suggest restaurants to try during your trip. To give you the maximum flexibility in deciding where, what and with whom to eat, generally not all meals are included in the trip price. This also gives you more budgeting flexibility. As a rule our groups tend to eat together to enable you to taste a larger variety of dishes and enjoy each other's company. There's no obligation to do this though.
Throughout your programmes you will have the support and guidance of the programme co-ordinator and team. You will be provided with competent assistance and help with any questions or advice you may need during your stay.
You will be assigned a personal travel advisor who will co-ordinate your programme with you. Feel free to contact them at any time before you go, or when you are on your travels.
In addition, you will have access to a 24 hour emergency contact number so you can contact one of our UK staff at any time should you need to.
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