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, Champs-Élysées, Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Paris, Saint-Sulpice, Paris, Montmartre, Paris, Chartres, Loire Valley, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau, Lyon, Fourvière Hill, Nice, Monaco, Côte d'Azur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Arles, Carcassonne, Figueres, Barcelona, Montserrat, Madrid
Tour operator:
Tour code:
FRSPMZN20
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Foodie and Wine Tours, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Rail Tours
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through France, Monaco, and Spain with the "Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension" tour. Begin in the romantic city of Paris, exploring iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower and Saint-Sulpice Church. Travel through the picturesque Loire Valley, visiting stunning châteaux and enjoying a traditional dinner with local wines. Discover the cultural richness of Lyon, the glamour of Nice, and the historic charm of Avignon and Arles. In Monaco, marvel at the royal palace and luxurious yachts. Cross into Spain to experience the artistic allure of Barcelona, with its Gaudí masterpieces, and delve into the surreal world of Salvador Dalí in Figueres. Conclude your adventure with a high-speed train journey to Madrid, where you can explore the vibrant Spanish capital at your leisure. Enjoy expert guidance, comfortable accommodations, and a blend of guided tours and free time for personal exploration.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Location: Paris, Champs-Élysées, Paris, Arc de Triomphe, Paris
Accommodation: Pullman La Défense
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
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, Saint-Sulpice, Paris, Montmartre, Paris
Accommodation: Pullman La Défense
Accommodation Name: Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles
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: Chartres, Loire Valley, Château de Chambord, Château de Chenonceau
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, Fourvière Hill
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. 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, Côte d'Azur, Saint-Paul-de-Vence
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, Carcassonne
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: Figueres, Barcelona
Accommodation: Barceló Sants
Accommodation Name: Barceló Sants
Meals Included: Breakfast
Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theater 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.
Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona
Location: Montserrat, Barcelona
Accommodation: Barceló Sants
Accommodation Name: Barceló Sants
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 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.
Day 10: Journey By Train to Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation: Ayre Gran Colón
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: Ayre Gran Colón
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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Expert Travel Director and Professional Driver
The tour includes the services of an expert Travel Director and a professional driver.
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Porterage and Restaurant Gratuities
Porterage and restaurant gratuities are included in the tour package.
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Hotel Tips, Charges, and Local Taxes
Hotel tips, charges, and local taxes are covered in the tour package.
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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 in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi or alternative transportation like 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.
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On Occasion, Hotels of Similar Standard and Location
Hotels of similar standard and location may be used if necessary.
What's Not Included
Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is not included in the tour package.
Dining Summary
- 4 Dinner (D)
- 11 Breakfast (B)
Dive Into Culture
- Figueres: Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
Mode of Transport
Travel in luxury with an air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi or alternative transportation like rail journeys, including a high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Madrid.
Accommodation
Accommodation is provided in carefully selected hotels such as Courtyard Paris Porte de Versailles, Mercure Tours Nord, Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale, and Barceló Sants, ensuring comfort and convenience throughout your journey.
Dive into Culture
- Figueres: Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
Iconic Experience
- 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.
- Chateau Chenonceau: Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
- Chartres: Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
- Lyon: Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic center. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below.
- Avignon: View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- Nice: Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Monaco City: See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Carcassonne: Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.
- Barcelona: With your Local Specialist, see Las Ramblas and the elegant Passeig de Gràcia to take in some of the city's finest Modernist architecture. Journey past the beautiful facades of the Eixample district to see the exterior of Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerizing Sagrada Família
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of dining experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes daily breakfast and up to half of your evening meals. Additionally, there is a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines on a farm near the Château de Villandry.
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour provides travel in a luxury air-conditioned coach equipped with Wi-Fi in most countries. There is also a high-speed train journey from Barcelona to Madrid included.
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Are there any optional experiences available during the tour?
Yes, the tour offers optional experiences such as a visit to a Parisian cabaret, exploring the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence, and discovering the Gothic Quarter in Barcelona.
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What cultural experiences are included in the tour?
The tour includes a visit to the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres, which offers insights into Salvador Dalí's captivating world. There are also opportunities to explore the historic neighborhoods of Paris and the fortified city of Carcassonne with local specialists.
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What is the 'Be My Guest' experience on this tour?
The 'Be My Guest' experience involves joining the de Montferrier family on their farm near the Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle dinner paired with local wines.
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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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Book with Confidence
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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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Terms and Conditions
