Paris To Madrid

All content by Intrepid

15 days (ex Paris)

Destinations visited: Spain, Madrid, France, Paris, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jun 23, 2012 and save 25% $2,438

from USD$3,250

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Description

From the romantic capital of France to magnificent Madrid, this France and Spain combo trip is packed with art, nature, culture and history. See the sparkling Paris city lights, visit the royal chateau at Villandry and hike among the peaks of the Pyrenees. Cross the border into Spain and kick back on a sunny beach in San Sebastian to recharge before a big night out. Finally, travel to Madrid to discover a multitude of chic boutiques or lose yourself in the world-famous Prado and Reina Sofia museums.

Highlights

Get swept up in the romance of Paris.
Visit the exquisite Chateau de Villandry.
Enjoy wine-tasting in Bordeaux.
Revel in the relaxed pace of the Dordogne region.
Hike in the mighty Pyrenees Mountains.
Experience the vibrant north of Spain.
Discover a lively bar scene in San Sebastian.
See a fairytale castle in Segovia.
Explore Madrid's character-filled neighbourhoods.

Itinerary

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.

Days 4-5 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.

Days 6-7 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 8-9 Pyrenees

Head 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.

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.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Accommodation

Hotel (14 nts)

Transport

Bicycle, Kayak, Train, Bus

Budget

Allow EUR €525 for meals not included.

Check dates and prices
Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$3,250

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