Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
$4095
Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
12 Days Starting in Paris, France and ending in Madrid, Spain
Visiting: Paris, Loire Valley, Lyon, Nice, Monaco, Arles, Barcelona, Madrid
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the cultural heart of France and Spain with the "Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension" tour. Begin your adventure in the romantic city of Paris, exploring its iconic landmarks and hidden gems. Travel through the picturesque Loire Valley, visiting stunning châteaux and enjoying a traditional dinner with local wines. Discover the gastronomic delights of Lyon, the medieval charm of Carcassonne, and the glamorous French Riviera, including a visit to Monaco. In Spain, delve into the surreal world of Salvador Dalà in Figueres and marvel at GaudÃ's masterpieces in vibrant Barcelona. Conclude your journey with a high-speed train ride to Madrid, where you can explore the Spanish capital at your leisure. With expert guidance, luxury transportation, and cherry-picked accommodations, this tour offers a perfect blend of cultural exploration and relaxation.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Pullman La Défense
Accommodation Name: Pullman La Défense
Meals Included: Dinner
Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Day 2: Explore The Sights Of Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Pullman La Défense
Accommodation Name: Pullman La Défense
Meals Included: Breakfast
Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a café au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.
Day 3: Chartres And Châteaux In The Loire Valley Connect With Locals
Location: Loire Valley
Accommodation: Mercure Tours Nord
Accommodation Name: Mercure Tours Nord
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.
Day 4: Onwards To Lyon
Location: Lyon
Accommodation: Novotel Gerland Musée des Confluences
Accommodation Name: Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale
Meals Included: Breakfast
Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvière hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.
Day 5: Journey To Papal Avignon And On To The French Riviera Dive Into Culture
Location: Nice
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Accommodation Name: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals Included: Breakfast
Welcome to Nice, France! Upon arrival, your Travel Director will guide you on a scenic orientation drive through the heart of this glamorous city. You'll take in iconic sites such as the stunning Promenade des Anglais, where the azure sea meets elegant architecture. After soaking in the vibrant atmosphere of Nice, you’ll return to the hotel, where you can unwind and enjoy a relaxing evening, ready for the adventures to come.
Day 6: Enjoy Monaco And The Cote D'azur
Location: Monaco
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Accommodation Name: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals Included: Breakfast
A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Day 7: Off To Colorful Arles And Carcassonne
Location: Arles
Accommodation: Tribe Carcassonne
Accommodation Name: Tribe Carcassonne
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, with its honey-colored façades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalized in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Day 8: Pass The Pyrenees To Barcelona Dive Into Culture
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barceló Sants
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar, Affiliated By Meliá
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalà Theater and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador DalÃ. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We’ll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni GaudÃ's unfinished La Sagrada FamÃlia, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.
Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barceló Sants
Accommodation Name: Hotel Barcelona Condal Mar, Affiliated By Meliá
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Plaça de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaudà dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.
Day 10: Journey By Train To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Ayre Gran Colón
Meals Included: Breakfast
Take the train to the Spanish capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.
Day 11: Fiery Madrid Your Way
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Ayre Gran Colón
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast, enjoy a full free day at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Madrid.
Day 12: Farewell Madrid
Location: Madrid
Meals Included: Breakfast
Enjoy breakfast before you are transferred to Madrid Airport for your onward journey home.
What's Included
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An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional Driver.
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Accommodation is provided in cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
All porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour.
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
The tour covers all hotel tips, charges, and local taxes.
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
Daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals are included.
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
The tour includes must-see sightseeing and surprise extras.
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
Audio headsets are provided for flexible sightseeing.
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi
Travel is provided in a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Optional Experiences and free time
The tour offers optional experiences and free time for personal exploration.
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High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid
A high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Madrid is included.
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip is not included.
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Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
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Optional Experiences
Optional experiences and free time activities are not included in the base tour price.
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Transfers
Transfers to and from the airport at the destination are not included.
Mode of Transport
Travel in style with a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries, or enjoy alternative transportation options such as rail journeys.
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted, provide comfort and convenience throughout your journey, ensuring a restful stay after each day's exploration.
Check out our Q&As
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What type of transportation is used during the tour?
The tour uses a luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries, or alternative transportation such as rail journeys.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, breakfast is provided daily and up to half of the evening meals are included in the tour package.
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What kind of accommodation can I expect on this tour?
The tour includes stays at cherry-picked hotels that are tried and trusted.
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Is there a local guide available during the tour?
Yes, the tour includes an expert Travel Director and professional Driver, as well as Local Specialists for certain sightseeing activities.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Paris, with pick-up available from Charles de Gaulle airport.
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What is the final destination of the tour?
The tour ends in Madrid, with drop-off at Madrid-Barajas airport.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, there are optional experiences and free time available for participants to explore additional activities.
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Is there a train journey included in the tour?
Yes, there is a high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Madrid included in the tour.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
The beauty of taking a guided holiday with us is that you’ll have the opportunity to meet and travel with people from all over the globe.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Vaccination against Covid-19 is not mandatory to travel with Trafalgar. However, we strongly recommend that guests are vaccinated before travelling. Please note that airlines and/or other authorities may have different requirements. It is the guest's responsibility to comply with these requirements at all times.
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 1947
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Trafalgar is a founding partner of the TreadRight Foundation, a not-for-profit organisation established in 2008. So far, the charity has donated more than US$2 million to help underprivileged communities and support sustainable tourism around the world.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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Low Deposit
Trafalgar requires a minimum deposit of 350 USD per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 90 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of trafalgar charges.
Up to 91 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 90 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 29 days before tour starts: Forfeit 80% of booking price.
At 1 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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