Madrid

Madrid - Enjoy some free time until the start of the city tour.

04:00 p.m. – Panoramic tour of Madrid. Please note that the start time may vary depending on the group´s arrival times. The sights visited during the tour will also depend on traffic conditions and the season. The tour will last approximately two and a half hours. You’ll visit Cibeles, Puerta de Alcalá, Retiro Park, Serrano, La Castellana, Plaza de Colón, Paseo del Prado, the exterior of the Prado Museum, Atocha, and the Royal Palace. The tour will end in Plaza Mayor, an area famous for its tapas bars. Our guide will accompany you through the area and share tips on where to find the best restaurants.

Note: On some occasions, the city tour may take place in the morning.

Madrid

Madrid - Free day. We suggest you visit the Prado Museum or go shopping in the city center. Our guides will offer you optional activities, such as an excursion to the historic city of Toledo or attending a Flamenco Tablao show.

Madrid - Segovia - Pedraza - Bilbao

Total distance covered: 450 km.

Scenery: Tilled hills of the Castile plateau; lush and green landscapes in the Basque Country.

Note: We recommend wearing comfortable shoes for walking on the cobblestone streets.

08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we’ll depart from Madrid, heading into the scenic lands of Castile, with its beautiful mountain landscapes.
10:00 a.m. - Segovia. Upon arrival, we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar.

02:00 p.m. - Departure from Segovia. We’ll continue along scenic roads that offer a closer look at the charming villages and landscapes.
02:45 p.m. - Pedraza. Enjoy some time in this village, often regarded as one of the most beautiful in Spain. This well-preserved medieval town boasts cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a charming Plaza Mayor, and a 13th-century fortress.

04:15 p.m. - Departure from Pedraza. We’ll continue our journey toward the Basque Country.
08:30 p.m. - Bilbao. Enjoy free time in the old town, famous for its many taverns and bars where you can try the renowned “pintxos.”

09:30 p.m. - Transfer to the hotel.

Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastián

Total distance covered: 127 km.

Scenery: Basque Country, with industrial cities set against beautiful, green, and mountainous landscapes. Traditional Basque farmhouses can be seen dotting the mountainsides.

After breakfast, we’ll embark on a guided tour of Bilbao and its estuary, where the striking architecture of the Guggenheim Museum, the old town and the medieval center stand out. There will be free time for lunch and a stroll in this city, full of vibrant streets and a cathedral. We recommend dining at La Ribera Market, offering stands with traditional Basque cuisine in a boat-shaped structure along the river.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Bilbao. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey.
03:15 p.m. - Guernica. Arrival and time for a stroll in this town, the birthplace of the Basque people, but sadly also known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages.

04:45 p.m. - Departure from Guernica. We’ll continue our scenic route through the mountains.
06:15 p.m. - Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía). We’ll stop in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its beaches, ancient walls, maritime atmosphere, and historic center with its unique grid-patterned cobblestone streets. You’ll have free time to explore and enjoy dinner in the old town.

08:45 p.m. – Departure from Hondarribia.
09:15 p.m. - San Sebastián / Donostia. Arrival in the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa. Our hotel is usually located atop Monte Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of the illuminated city below.

San Sebastián - Burdeaux

Total distance covered: 240 km.

Scenery: Lush, wooded areas in the Basque Country transition to the vast pine forests of France´s Landes region, eventually giving way to vineyards as we approach Bordeaux.

In the morning, after soaking in the stunning views of San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, we’ll head to the Miramar Palace and its lovely gardens. You’ll then have some free time to relax on the large beach, stroll along the boulevards, and enjoy lunch in the old town, famous for its lively “pintxos” bars and vibrant atmosphere—a hotspot for food lovers, where each of the bars has its own speciality and style. We´ll include a traditional Basque cuisine pintxo experience, accompanied by a drink.

04:15 p.m. – Departure from San Sebastián. We’ll cross into France through the Basque Country, traveling through the Landes region with its pine forests and lakes. As we near Bordeaux, we’ll be welcomed by the region’s renowned vineyards.
07:15 p.m. - Bordeaux. Our guide will give a brief introduction to the city. You’ll then have free time to explore, and we suggest taking a walk through the city center.

Bordeaux - Lourdes

Total distance covered: 270 km.

Scenery: Picturesque vineyard landscapes.

Take time to savor the center of Bordeaux, which has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine.

02:00 p.m. Departure from Bordeaux. We will continue our journey towards the Pyrenees.
05:30 p.m. - Arrival in Lourdes. Time to visit the Sanctuary. We recommend attending the candlelight procession, typically held at 9 p.m. from late March to late October. Dinner included.

Lourdes - Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille

Total distance covered: 580 km.

Scenery: Pyrenees mountain range covered in snow most of the year and Mediterranean landscapes.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Lourdes. We’ll travel to the south of France, passing through the metropolis of Toulouse.
11:30 a.m. - Carcassonne. Arrival at “la Cité”, a medieval walled city. There will be time for lunch and to explore this beautiful town, famous for its medieval walls, impressive castle, and picturesque historic neighborhood.

02:00 p.m. – Departure from Carcassonne.
03:00 p.m. - Narbonne. Time to stroll through this historic Occitan city with a picturesque historic center. Highlights include the grand Narbonne Cathedral and the Via Domitia in the central square, built by the Romans to connect Italy with Hispania.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Narbonne. We’ll continue along the coast towards the French Riviera.
07:15 p.m. - Marseille. Arrival in the second-largest city in France, located on the French Riviera. We recommend a walk through its vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), bustling with life and dotted with charming small restaurants.

Marseille - Arles - Les Baux - Avignon - Lyon

Total distance covered: 380 km.

Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history—today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.

08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marseille.
09:15 a.m. - Arles. We´ll stop to visit this World Heritage city, showcasing its Roman and medieval legacy. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.

10:30 a.m. – Departure from Arles.
11:00 a.m. - Les Baux. We’ll explore this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries.

12:15 p.m. – Departure from Carrières de Lumières.
01:00 p.m. - Avignon. Time for lunch and a walk in this small walled city in Provence on the banks of the Rhône. It was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome until 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palais des Papes reveals its past.

03:30 p.m. - Avignon. We’ll head towards the interior of France.
06:15 p.m. - Lyon. Arrival in the third-largest city in France, proud of its remarkable historical past. We’ll walk through the Lyon Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, and include a funicular ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an immense basilica offering a great view over the city.

Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.

Lyon - Tournus - Beaune - Savigny Castle - Dijon

Total distance covered: 220 km.

Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.

08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and head towards Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Tournus. Time to stroll through this pleasant small town with picturesque alleys, an immense stone gate, and a large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Tournus.
11:45 a.m. - Beaune. We’ll stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.

02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
03:00 p.m. - Savigny Castle. In the heart of this wine region, we will visit Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century and home to extraordinary museums featuring motorcycles, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters.

04:30 p.m. – Departure from Savigny Castle.
05:30 p.m. - Dijon. Arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Once the capital of a powerful duchy in the late Middle Ages, Dijon preserves a rich architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings, with the Palace of the Dukes standing out as a highlight.

Dijon - Fontenay Abbey - Semur-en-Auxois - Vézelay - Paris

Total distance covered: 387 km.

Scenery: Small villages in the Dordogne with relaxing hill and vineyard landscapes.

08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dijon. We’ll continue touring Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Fontenay Abbey. Admission is included to visit this abbey, a masterpiece of the Cistercian order and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

11:00 a.m. – Departure from Fontenay Abbey.
11:30 a.m. - Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll stop to explore this charming medieval town with narrow streets, palaces, and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive ancient walls that will transport you back in time.

12:30 p.m. – Departure from Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll continue along the interior of Burgundy.
01:30 p.m. - Vézelay. Time for lunch and a stroll in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James.

04:00 p.m. – Departure from Vézelay.
07:00 p.m. - Paris.

Paris

Total distance covered: 80 km.

07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.

11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.

03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.

At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.

Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.

Paris

08:30 a.m. - Departure from the hotel. We’ll head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges. This journey lasts approximately an hour and fifteen minutes. Afterward, you’ll have some free time.

Note: If wait times at the Eiffel Tower are too long, we might reschedule the visit to a different time (or on Sunday) for your convenience.

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.

Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.