Description

Join this adventure from romantic Paris to cosmopolitan Barcelona and be captivated by the culture and history of France and Spain. Visit castles, travel through the Loire Valley on a bicycle and hike in the majestic mountains of the Pyrenees. Peruse paintings, get funky in Madrid, admire Gaudi's quirky architecture and marvel at an illustrious Moorish past in Spanish byways and boulevards before partying the night away. This trip will make sure you come away with truly unique memories of two of Europe's most popular holiday destinations.

Highlights

• Fall in love with captivating Paris.
• Amble down elegant boulevards in Bordeaux.
• Conquer trails in the mighty French Pyrenees.
• Sample pintxos in sunny San Sebastian.
• Shop in the fashionable city of Madrid.
• Be captivated by medieval monuments in Toledo.
• Relax on the beaches of the Costa de la Luz.
• Marvel at Gaudi's creations in Barcelona.

Itinerary

Day 1 Paris

Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and fabulous food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and hidden treasures to discover.

Days 2-3 Tours

Aptly named 'Le Jardin de la France', Tours boasts verdant parks, peaceful river settings and a famed Old City with wonderfully preserved half-timbered buildings and picturesque open-air cafes.

Days 4-5 Dordogne Region

Time seems to have stood still in Sarat-la-Caneda with a slow winding river and a town so impeccably preserved that it still resembles its charming 14th-century self.

Days 6-7 Bordeaux

A lovely port city famed its wines, Bordeaux exudes charm with celebrated architecture, fascinating museums and alluring cafes in which to linger over the region's famous tipple.

Days 8-9 Pyrenees

Surrounded by dramatic mountains and the gateway to many outdoor adventures, Luchon is a charming town to explore with its 19th-century buildings and famed flower gardens.

Days 10-11 San Sebastian

A vibrant cultural heart beats within this relaxed, coastal city - San Sebastian is a perfect place to relax at the beach or enjoy the finer points of Spanish culture.

Days 12-13 Segovia

With its stunning backdrop of mountains, twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in the world and delicious local cuisine, Segovia is atmospheric, photogenic and memorable.

Days 14-15 Madrid

Madrid is home to a wealth of remarkable sights, sounds and experiences. Soak up the art, be wowed by the architecture and swoon over the exceptional food.

Days 16-17 Granada

Home to the stunning Alhambra Palace and set against a backdrop of the spectacular Sierra Nevada mountains, Granada is one of Andalucia's most enchanting cities.

Days 18-19 Seville

Seville is renowned for its oranges, tapas and flamenco - all three are ingrained in the fabric of the city and its proud people.

Days 20-21 Costa de la Luz

Located on the Costa de la Luz and looking out towards Morocco, Tarifa is a relaxed town famed for water sports, wind sports and beaches.

Days 22-23 Ronda

Divided by a deep gorge and the spectacular Puente Nuevo (New Bridge), the city of Ronda is sure to impress with its historic buildings, natural beauty and relaxed lifestyle.

Day 24 Cordoba

With incredible architecture, a passion for food and flamenco and a colourful history beginning around 8,000 BC, Cordoba has a story waiting around every corner.

Days 25-26 Valencia

Long the Spanish gateway to the Mediterranean, Valencia has a special charm with busy markets, beautiful beaches, spectacular mountains and a fascinating mix of old and new.

Days 27-29 Barcelona

Barcelona's quirky character and fabulous Catalan cuisine mixes seamlessly with a groundbreaking art scene, Gothic architecture, superb dining and a non-stop nightlife, making it a city you won't soon forget.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel

Transport

Bicycle, Bus, Kayak, Metro, Private vehicle, Taxi, Train

Important notes

1. Please note itinerary change for days 4-8 since print of 2012 brochure. 2. A single supplement is available on this trip. See under the Single Traveller section of your Trip Notes for more information.