France & Spain Encompassed

From croissants to pintxos and cathedrals to countryside, this 14-day journey through France and Spain is all about living the good...

France, Spain

France & Spain Encompassed

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.

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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.

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Optional Activities - Day 7Show

Accommodation

Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona

Hotel
DAY 8 Barcelona

Enjoy a full free day in Barcelona. Perhaps spend more time admiring the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, wander through iconic neighbourhoods, or sample more of the delicious local treats at one of the many cafes.

Free Time

BarcelonaFULL_DAY

There is plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore. Perhaps have a look at Antoni Gaudi's work, Casa Batlló, or explore La Barceloneta.

4

Optional Activities - Day 8Show

Accommodation

Hotel AA Viladomat Barcelona

Hotel
DAY 9 Barcelona/Logroño

Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.

Rail

Train

Barcelona- Logroño4h486km

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

Cuisine

Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery

Logroño

Head to a nearby winery for a tasting experience of some of La Rioja's finest varieties with an on-site expert. Learn a bit about what makes the region so ideal for wine-producing with the area's climate and soil as you try to pick out different flavours and notes from the various types of wines available.

Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience

Logroño1.5h-2h

See (and taste) what all the fuss is about – Basque cuisine is famous worldwide, with many believing this is the best food in the country. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience on this pintxos (tapas) crawl from tavern to tavern, tasting and learning all about the different delicacies of the area.

Accommodation

Hotel Condes de Haro

Hotel
DAY 10 Logroño

Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.

Free Time

LogroñoFULL_DAY

Enjoy a full free day in La Rioja wine country to do as much or as little as you please.

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Optional Activities - Day 10Show

Accommodation

Hotel Condes de Haro

Hotel
DAY 11 Logroño/San Sebastian

Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Logroño- Obanos1h70km

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

Hike from Obanos to Puente la Reina

Obanos- Puente la Reina0.75h-1h2km

This section between Obanos and Puente la Reina is a particularly short but picturesque stretch of the Camino de Santiago. The trail follows the gentle flow of the Robo river, winding its way through green fields and orchards. The path itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk, allowing hikers to take in the serene surroundings and absorb the tranquility of the countryside.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Puente la Reina- Olite0.75h-1h35km

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

Palacio Real de Olite Visit

Olite1h

Visit the gorgeous Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite. The grand monument consists of 3 sections, the Old Palace, New Palace and a church named the Iglesia de Santa María la Real. Explore the many hallways, galleries and bedrooms and learn about it's royal history and military significance since it was built in the 13th century.

Bus

Private Vehicle

Olite- Pamplona1h45km

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

Bus

Private Vehicle

Pamplona- San Sebastian1.5h90km

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

Accommodation

Casual De Las Olas

Hotel
DAY 12 San Sebastian

Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike, or a walking tour.

Orientation Walk of San Sebastian

San Sebastian1h-1.25h

Head out with your CEO on foot to get your bearings of San Sebastian's vibrant city centre. Get tips on the best places to visit, explore and eat.

Free Time

San SebastianFULL_DAY

Set off to discover San Sebastian as you please and choose from a variety of different optional activities.

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Optional Activities - Day 12Show

Accommodation

Casual De Las Olas

Hotel
DAY 13 San Sebastian/Bilbao

Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.

Bus

Local Bus

San Sebastian- Bilbao1.5h100km

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

Orientation Walk of Bilbao

Bilbao1h-1.5h

Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Bilbao to get your bearings and to see some of the main sights.

Free Time

BilbaoAFTERNOON

Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bilbao's sights and museums.

4

Optional Activities - Day 13Show

Accommodation

Hotel Bilbao Plaza

Hotel
DAY 14 Bilbao

Depart at any time.

Administrative

Departure Day

Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.

Day
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