Best of France & Spain

Only got nine days? That’s all you need to soak up the magic of France and Spain. Start in dreamy Paris...

France, Spain
DAY 1 Paris

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.

Administrative

Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group

Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Paris Orientation Walk by Night

Paris1h1km

Join your CEO on a short walk through the streets of Paris at night. With the buildings illuminated and the daytime tourist crowds out of the way, you're free to photograph the French capital from her best possible angles. The leisurely nighttime route takes you past Opera Garnier, the Champs Elysees, Les Invalides, and much more.

Accommodation

Below is an example of the hotel we may use in this city. For the actual hotel your specific departure will be using, please check your voucher.

Mama Shelter Paris East

Hotel
DAY 2 Paris

Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led walking tour. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre Walking Tour

Paris1h2km

Take in the Abbesses Métro Montmartre Line 12 station and enjoy Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau entrance; one of only three remaining original métro constructions in Paris. Move onward to Picasso's studio, where Cubism was born, and finish up at Toulose Latrec's last address.

Free Time

ParisAFTERNOON

There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore. Tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list, scan the scenery from a boat cruise, or sit at one of the Parisian cafes and watch the world go by.

3

Optional Activities - Day 2Show

Accommodation

Mama Shelter Paris East

Hotel
DAY 3 Paris/Lyon

Enjoy a leisurely morning for any last sightseeing before boarding a local train bound for Lyon. Check into your hotel and then set off to explore some of the city's highlights on a CEO-led walking tour, culminating at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for great views over the city. The rest of the evening is free to choose from a breadth of amazing restaurants in the city for dinner. Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.

Free Time

ParisMORNING

Take in any last-minute sightseeing in Paris this morning before boarding the train to Lyon.

Rail

Local Train

Paris- Lyon2h

Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.

Lyon Walking Tour

Lyon2h3km

Set out on foot exploring Lyon and take in the historic Roman and Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finish up at the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière where you can enjoy a beautiful viewpoint.

DAY 4 Lyon

Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.

Free Time

LyonFULL_DAY

There's plenty to see and do in Lyon. Now is the time to explore. Sample local flavours with a local food tour, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, or sit back and enjoy the view on a river cruise. There's something for everyone.

DAY 5 Lyon/Nîmes

Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.

Rail

Local Train

Lyon- Nîmes1.25h260km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.

Nîmes Old City Tour

Nîmes2h

Embark on a walking discovery of Dualism: a dialogue between past and present. Explore the Roman ruins, including the Arena of Nîmes, while simultaneously appreciating the thriving street art and architecture scene. A true French experience.

Free Time

NîmesAFTERNOON

There's plenty to see and do in Nîmes; now is the time to explore. Wander through the Jardin de La Fontaine or dive into the culture at the Museum Romanité.

DAY 6 Nîmes/Barcelona

Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Nîmes- Pont du Gard0.75h-1h28km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a taxi.

Landmark

Pont du Gard Visit

Pont du Gard

Dive into Roman history and engineering as you explore the highest Roman aqueduct ever built, aptly named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in views of the Gardon River and learn about how this feature once supplied water to the city of Nîmes.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Pont du Gard- Argilliers0.5h25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Your Foodie Moment: Farm-to-Table Lunch

Argilliers

Savour a delicious farm-to-table lunch from a traditional French restaurant near the Pont du Gard, prepared from fresh and local ingredients.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Argilliers- Nîmes0.5h25km

Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Rail

Local Train

Nîmes- Barcelona3.5h400km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.

Accommodation

Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona

Hotel
DAY 7 Barcelona

Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.

Barcelona Walking Tour

Barcelona2h2km

Discover the enchanting Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a maze of narrow, winding streets filled with medieval architecture, hidden plazas, and ancient Roman remnants. Stroll past the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, charming shops, and cozy tapas bars, while soaking in the history that dates back over 2,000 years. A captivating journey through the city's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood.

Free Time

BarcelonaAFTERNOON

There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona; now is your chance to explore. Check out the iconic Sagraga Familia, Parque Güell, or wander down Las Ramblas.

4

Optional Activities - Day 7Show

Accommodation

Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona

Hotel
DAY 8 Barcelona/Madrid

All aboard! Settle in and watch the world go by on a train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. Enjoy free time to explore the city upon arrival.

Rail

Train

Barcelona- Madrid2.5h-3h505km

Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time

MadridEVENING

There's plenty to see and do in this cultural hub; now is your time to explore.

3

Optional Activities - Day 8Show

Accommodation

Hotel Europa

Hotel
DAY 9 Madrid

Depart at any time.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Day
chat