SPAIN & france : madrid with andalucia, barcelona & france 16 days
Madrid - cordoba - seville - ronda - costa del sol - granada - toledo - Madrid - Barcelona - paris - rouen - honfleur - caen - saint malo - mt. saint michel - angers - the loire valley - paris
itinerary, prices & Inclusions
Day 1 (Tue.): MADRID
On arrival, transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.
Day 2 (Wed.): MADRID
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning panoramic tour of Madrid. Discover the medieval origins of the city at the Barrio de la Morería, such as its Arabic fortress. Dive into the Hapsburgs district characterized by Phillip II influence and its Renaissance and Baroque architecture: such as Puerta del Sol, Plaza Mayor and Plaza de la Villa. Drive through the Madrid of the Bourbons and relish on the urban planning of Charles III. See the Royal Palace, the Prado Museum and the Puerta de Alcalá. Your guide will tell you all about the contemporary Madrid, with spacious areas like Gran Via and Castellana Street or the Salamanca district as well as Las Ventas bullring and the world famous Santiago Bernabéu Stadium. We will also stop at the local Hard Rock Café for a free drink. Remainder of the day at leisure to explore the wonders of the city on your own.
Day 3 (Thu.): MADRID – CORDOBA – SEVILLA
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure from one of our hotels in Madrid, please check your travel itinerary for more information. This morning we will travel South through the land of Don Quijote “De la Mancha”. A short stop will be held at Puerto Lapice. Today we will cross to the beautiful region of Andalusia through the Despeñaperros gorge. On arrival to Cordoba we will visit its iconic Mosque and take on a walking tour of the white cobbled streets of its Jewish Quarter. In the afternoon, after a short two-hour ride reach Seville. Dinner and check in at your hotel.
Day 4 (Fri.) SEVILLE
Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a panoramic morning tour of Seville and look at the second biggest Catholic Cathedral in the world. Visit to the famous Barrio de Santa Cruz, setting of the story of Carmen and Don Juan and to the beautiful Plaza de España. Free afternoon to relax, walk the city and enjoy its Heritage at your own pace and taste delicious tapas. Dinner included at your hotel. Optional Flamenco show.
Day 5 (Sat.) SEVILLE – RONDA – COSTA DEL SOL
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Ronda through the White Villages of Andalusia. Free time to walk this city of Celtic origin and enjoy the amazing views. Today we reach Costa del Sol, one of the most emblematic destinations in Spain. Dinner is included at your hotel.
Day 6 (Sun.) COSTA DEL SOL – GRANADA
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Granada, where the Alhambra Palace and its fantastic monumental areas await. Enjoy the free afternoon to explore the city or to taste some local tapas. Dinner included at your hotel. Tonight you can choose the option to rejoice in a typical show of Zambra Flamenca in the Sacromonte neighborhood.
Day 7 (Mon.) GRANADA – TOLEDO – MADRID
Breakfast at the hotel. Today we will visit the Historic City of Toledo, World Heritage City since 1986. Once Spain’s capital, the city is a perfect mix of Arab, Jewish and Christian cultures. You will enjoy a short guided walking tour of the city through its beautifully cobbled streets before visiting a local Damasquinados craftsmanship. This evening we will arrive into Madrid.
Day 8 (Tue.) MADRID - BARCELONA
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Atocha Station in Madrid to board the high speed train to Sants Station in Barcelona. Accommodation at the hotel.
Day 9 (Wed.) BARCELONA
Breakfast at the hotel. Today, aboard one of our air-conditioned coaches you will enjoy a panoramic tour though the city most famous landmarks. Admire World Heritage works by Gaudí, such as La Pedrera and Casa Batlló, as well as the Stadium that held the Olympic Games in 1992. Then, follow your local guide on a walking tour through the streets of the city Gothic Quarter. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day 10 (Thu.) BARCELONA - PARIS
Breakfast at the hotel. Transfer to Sants train station in Barcelona to board the high speed train to Paris Gare de Lyon. The journey lasts approximately 6 and a half hours. Stops held in Girona, Figueres, Perpignan, Narbonne, Montpellier, Nîmes and Valence. Transfer to your hotel on arrival to Paris.
Day 11 (Fri.) PARIS
Discover the heritage of Paris through its main neighborhood and squares. Gaze at some of its most important monuments, such as the bridges across the Seine. This panoramic tour will give you a unique insight both on the city and Parisian habits in two hours. Along the tour you will listen to information on the monuments you border. This include Notre-Dame, the Eiffel Tower, the Champs Elysees and Les Invalides. The rest of the day is free to enjoy the city at your own pace.
Day 12 (Sat.) ROUEN – HONFLEUR – D-Day Landing Beaches – CAEN
Pick up from your hotel and departure at 7.15AM from our office in Paris city center. After a two-hour bus drive we will arrive to Rouen, capital city of Normandy. Walking tour of its medieval city center, rich in Gothic architecture. You will also see the Gros-Horloge, a 14th-century astronomical clock. En route to Honfleur you will be able to admire the remarkable Normandy Bridge. Visit this lovely city at your own pace and discover its quaint streets and houses. Next, we will visit the D-Day beaches, emblematic locations of WW2 and the Allied landing on June 6th, 1944. Short stop at Arromanches beach. Arrival to Caen. Dinner included.
Day 13 (Sun.) SAINT MALO – MOUNT SAINT MICHEL – ANGERS
Departure to Saint-Malo (Brittany). Guided tour through the fortified city center and its extraordinary heritage. Notable sights include the city walls, Cathedral and Fort National. Then, on to the unique beauty of Mont St. Michel. Follow your guide around the streets on a walking tour of the ancient mount leading to the Abbey. Enjoy a walking tour of this impressive Benedictine Abbey and discover its multiple marvels. Arrival to Angers. Dinner and check in at accommodation.
Day 14 (Mon.) THE LOIRE VALLEY – TOURS
Today we will explore the stunning Loire Valley. Our first stop will be at Langeais Castle, where we will enjoy a guided visit of the site. Lunch at your Leisure in Amboise. After lunch, we will visit the Clos Lucé Castle by foot. Next, explore the beautiful Château and Gardens of Villandry with your guide. Drop off at your hotel in Tours. Dinner included.
Day 15 (Tue.) THE LOIRE VALLEY – PARIS
After breakfast, meet your tour guide. Transfer to Chenonceau Castle for a guided tour of the magnificent site. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant in Cour-Cheverny. After lunch we will head to the most wonderful castle in the area, the Château de Chambord. The day will finish with a guided visit of the same by a local guide. Arrive in Paris at around 7PM. Transfer to your hotel. Accommodation.
Day 16 (Wed.) PARIS
Breakfast at the hotel and transfer to the airport.
Prices based on minimum of two person traveling
On request
Single room supplement is extra. Please contact us for Single travel alone and Single room supplement.
Highlights & Inclusions
Guided tours in Madrid, Cordoba, Seville, Granada (Alhambra and Generalife Gardens), Toledo, Barcelona, Paris, Rouen, Normandy beaches, Saint-Malo, Mount Saint-Michel, Loire Valley and Castles (Langeais, Clos Lucé, Chenonceau, Villandry, Cheverny andChambord Castles.
Tour guide
Air-conditioned luxury coach
Train ticket Madrid - Barcelona - París (tourist class)
Accommodation
Daily breakfast, 1 lunch and 7 dinners
Return airport transfers
EXCLUSIONS
• Personal expenses, International airfare, Visa fees
• Customary gratitude to your guide and driver