Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension - From £2,195

Europe France
OVERVIEW
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon’s Place de l’Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera.
EXPERIENCES
Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.

Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful façades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família.

Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.

Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.

Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.

Figueres: Visit the Dalí Theatre-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.

Lyon: Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic centre. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below.

Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.

Paris: Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.

Paris: Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
DEPARTURE DATES AND PRICES
Tour
Departs		 Tour
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(price per person)		 Definite Departure
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22/05/2026 02/06/2026 £3,375 Book
05/06/2026 16/06/2026 £3,175 Book
03/07/2026 14/07/2026 £3,095   Book
17/07/2026 28/07/2026 £3,095 Book
31/07/2026 11/08/2026 £3,095   Book
28/08/2026 08/09/2026 £3,325   Book
11/09/2026 22/09/2026 £3,375 Book
25/09/2026 06/10/2026 £3,375 Book
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ITINERARY

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 travellers 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.

Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighbourhoods 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 cafe 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.

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.

Travelling 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.

Head to the city of Avignon, once the seat of the Catholic popes and still rich with medieval charm. See the Papal Palace and the famous bridge from the French children’s song Sur le Pont d’Avignon. Then travel through the Provençal countryside, passing lavender fields and sun-soaked villages, en route to the glittering French Riviera. This evening is yours to explore at your own pace: take a stroll along the waterfront, dine al fresco or simply soak up the coastal vibe.

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.

We travel west to the Camargue centre of Arles, with its honey-coloured 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, immortalised 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.

Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theatre and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dalí. 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 Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Família, 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.

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 Gaudí 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.

Take the train to the Spanish capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel.

After breakfast, enjoy a full free day at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Madrid.

Enjoy breakfast before you are transferred to Madrid Airport for your onward journey home.
WHAT'S INCLUDED
  • All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid
  • Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • Must-see sightseeing
  • On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilised
  • Optional Experiences and free time
ACCOMMODATION
DAY 1: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles - Meals: Dinner
DAY 2: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 3: Mercure Tours Nord - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4: Novotel Gerland Musée des Confluences - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 5: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000 - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 6: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000 - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 7: Tribe Carcassonne - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8: Barceló Sants - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 9: Barceló Sants - Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 10: Ayre Gran Colón - Meals: Breakfast
DAY 11: Ayre Gran Colón - Meals: Breakfast
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