London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2025/2026

London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2025/2026

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London to Barcelona Quest | Start London | Winter | 2025/2026

8 Days Starting in London, England and ending in Barcelona, Spain

Visiting: Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastián, Barcelona

Tour operator:

Contiki

Tour code:

WWQMA20

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

Low

Age range:

18-35

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians

Tour operated in:

English

Activities:

Sightseeing, Walking

This tour is no longer available

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable winter adventure with the "London to Barcelona Quest" tour, starting in the vibrant city of London and culminating in the enchanting streets of Barcelona. This journey takes you through the iconic White Cliffs of Dover, the romantic allure of Paris with its Eiffel Tower and Notre-Dame Cathedral, and the chic elegance of Bordeaux. Cross into Spain to explore the charming coastal town of San Sebastian, before immersing yourself in the architectural wonders and lively atmosphere of Barcelona, including Gaudi's Sagrada Familia and the bustling Gothic Quarter. With a mix of guided tours, free time, and delicious meals, this tour promises a rich cultural experience across England, France, and Spain.

Highlights

  • See the iconic chalk-white coastline of Dover.

  • Take a dreamy jaunt around Paris, visiting landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, and Notre-Dame Cathedral.

  • Stroll around Bordeaux to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux, and enjoy a glass of red by the river.

  • Explore San Sebastian, including Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha, and Centro Romántico.

  • Check out the Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Gaudi’s world-renowned masterpiece.

  • Wander through Barcelona’s Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas.

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1: London To Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)

Meals Included: Dinner

Welcome to the first day of the best holiday of your life - we're calling it early! After a few pleasantries in London we'll get the show on the road with Paris in our sights. A few hours in and your jaws are on the floor already. These chalk cliffs that edge the English coastline are known as the White Cliffs of Dover, the first of many natural beauties we'll see on this trip. After we ferry across the English Channel for France we'll arrive in Calais, where we will take in the history of World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme. Kicking off night one, we arrive in none other than the lust-worthy Paris! It's straight down to business with a tour of the city lit up by the lights of night.

Day 2: Paris

Location: Paris

Accommodation Name: Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Drool over haute couture you can't afford, admire the Notre Dame Cathedral whilst juggling coffee and crêpes, & get artsy at the Louvre. Just don't wear yourself out, you will probably want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show. Smitten and it's only day two!

Day 3: Paris To Bordeaux

Location: Bordeaux

Accommodation Name: Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Wipe away your tears sad travellers! Paris is not going anywhere, you can always come back and visit her again. You, on the other hand, are going somewhere, and it's somewhere pretty magnificent... Wise folk tell us that wine has been produced in Bordeaux since the 1st Century - that's a long time, which means they know what they're doing. And it's not just the vin that has dragged us here, it's a pretty place to boot featuring its famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror).

Day 4: Bordeaux To San Sebastian

Location: San Sebastián

Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Breathe in your last breath of Bordeaux before we hit the road in search of the Spanish border. In just a few short hours we'll be exploring San Sebastian. Our stop will have you people watching in this cute little town on the French and Spanish border. With two nights in Spain's coastal town of San Sebastian, it will be hard to wipe the smiles off our faces. Take a walk to the aquarium where you can get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara. The night is yours.

Day 5: San Sebastian

Location: San Sebastián

Accommodation Name: Koisi Hostel (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We'll be dropping lots of delicious sounding words today as we explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha and Centro Romántico. Say it again: Romántico! Follow the cobblestone roads & soak up San Sebastian's coastline.

Day 6: San Sebastian To Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

Having settled into life with afternoon siestas, today will only be a departure from San Sebastian, don't worry leaving Spain is not on the agenda. Sigh with relief.  This town comes complete with a baroque Basilica, a perfect combination of Islamic and Gothic architecture and truly a sight to behold. Hola Barcelona...The first dose of Mediterranean Sea! That's if you can drag yourself away from the intoxicating city & get to the beach. Unique gothic architecture, round the clock parties & plenty of street life will leave you spellbound by Barcelona.

Day 7: Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Accommodation Name: Generator Barcelona (or similar)

Meals Included: Breakfast

They say this sexy city sizzles and we couldn't agree more. For a taste of what you can do, here's just a start of the never-ending list. Channel Gaudi at Sagrada Familia, his greatest masterpiece, started in 1882. This labour of love is still not compete, but is one for the Instagram upload for sure. Parc Guell could be next on the list, followed by the beach, and of course taking to the backstreets for some endless tapas and paella. Washed down with sangria of course.

Day 8: End Barcelona

Location: Barcelona

Meals Included: Breakfast

That's it folks. The incredible ride has come to an end and you should all be left utterly inspired by what your time on the road has achieved. Now you have the pleasure of picking your next adventure. Greek Island Hopping, anyone?

What's Included

  • Meals

    The tour includes 2 dinners and 7 breakfasts.

  • Accommodation

    Accommodation is provided at Jo&Joe Gentilly (or similar) in Paris, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck (or similar) in Bordeaux, Koisi Hostel (or similar) in San Sebastian, and Generator Barcelona (or similar) in Barcelona.

  • Transportation

    Transportation from London to Barcelona, including a ferry across the English Channel.

  • Guided Tours

    Guided tours in Paris, Bordeaux, San Sebastian, and Barcelona.

  • Sightseeing

    Visits to landmarks such as the White Cliffs of Dover, Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Notre-Dame Cathedral, Palais de la Bourse, Sagrada Familia, and more.

What's Not Included

  • Flights

    Flights to and from the starting and ending locations are not included.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is not included and must be purchased separately.

  • Optional Activities

    Optional activities such as dinner and a cabaret show in Paris are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Personal expenses such as souvenirs, additional meals, and drinks are not included.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees and other travel-related documentation are not included.

Mode of Transport

Travel by ferry across the English Channel and by road through France and Spain, ensuring a scenic and comfortable journey from London to Barcelona.

Accommodation

Stay in comfortable and modern accommodations such as Jo&Joe Gentilly in Paris, Ibis Budget Bordeaux Centre Meriadeck in Bordeaux, Koisi Hostel in San Sebastian, and Generator Barcelona in Barcelona.

Check out our Q&As

  • What kind of activities can I expect in Paris?

    In Paris, you can admire the Notre Dame Cathedral, explore the Louvre, and enjoy haute couture shopping. You might also want to get involved with dinner and a cabaret show.

  • What will we do in Bordeaux?

    In Bordeaux, you can stroll around the city to see the Palais de la Bourse and downtown Bordeaux. You can also enjoy a glass of red wine by the river and visit the famous Miroir d'eau (water mirror).

  • What are the highlights of San Sebastian?

    In San Sebastian, you can explore Parte Vieja, Playa de la Concha, and Centro Romántico. You can also visit the aquarium and get a closer look at Isla de Santa Clara.

  • What can I do in Barcelona?

    In Barcelona, you can visit the Sagrada Familia, explore the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, and enjoy the Mediterranean Sea. You can also visit Parc Guell, enjoy tapas and paella, and wash it down with sangria.

  • What is the first activity on the tour?

    The first activity on the tour is seeing the White Cliffs of Dover before ferrying across the English Channel to France. You will then visit the World War I battlefields in the Valley of the Somme before arriving in Paris for a night tour of the city.

  • How many nights will we spend in San Sebastian?

    You will spend two nights in San Sebastian.

  • What is the final destination of the tour?

    The final destination of the tour is Barcelona.

  • How long has the tour company been trading?

    In 1961, a guy called John Anderson founded Contiki in New Zealand. Whilst later bought by The Travel Corporation, the tour company had already been using the name ‘Contiki’ since its inception.

  • Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?

    Contiki trips are designed & operated exclusively for those aged 18-35 years. Your travelling companions will be like-minded adventurers within that age range. The age range is adhered to strictly.

  • What policies are in place for Covid-19?

    Please contact us for latest COVID-19 policies

  • Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?

    Yes

  • What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?

    MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® is our commitment to protect people, wildlife and the incredible planet we all share. Powered by The TreadRight Foundation, a non-profit organisation and Contiki’s guiding hand when it comes to making travel matter.

  • What documents will I receive before I travel?

    All documentation will be sent via email around 21 days prior to your trip departure. You can also access information on your trip by signing up to My Contiki via the top right icon of the homepage.

Reviews of this operator

Trusted Customer  

Northern Choice plus Kaikoura

16-Jan-2023

The trip ran so smoothly and was well organised! The extra add ons were amazing and all the services were spot on. Food places were reasonable. I'm definitely booking my next contiki trip again soon!

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Sophie  

Exceptional customer service

14-Jan-2023

Contiki were exceptional in providing customer service. They provided me with lots of information and were quick in responding to all my questions. I found that they were super helpful.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

First time traveling with Contiki. Highly recommend! You’ll have a blast

17-Jan-2023

First time traveling internationally since Covid and glad I spent the trip with Contiki. The travel, lodging, meals, activities everything was planned effortlessly. Going to Greece in may with contiki. Highly recommend

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Trusted Customer  

Amazing trip. Made great friends and memories. Can’t wait for my next trip

15-Jan-2023

I had 24 people on my contiki and I think it was the perfect number, we all got to know each other well and got along great. Our tour guide was fun and knowledgeable, the hotels were nice and in great locations.

Feefo Trusted Reviews
Tanner Stokes  

My amazing trip to Africa

13-Jan-2023

Sherif was an excellent tour guide. He was extremely knowledgeable about every single small detail at each site that we visited. In addition to his great service, he has a glowing spirit that made me feel like I had family with me the entire trip. Anything that I was concerned about, he always had an answer and was there to help. I truly enjoyed my experience and will purchase a tour with him in the future

Feefo Trusted Reviews

Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Contiki allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform contiki, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Contiki requires a minimum deposit of 60 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of contiki charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 25% of booking price.

    At 21 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.

    At 7 days before tour starts: Forfeit 75% of booking price.

    At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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