Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
12 Days Starting in Paris and ending in Madrid
Visiting: Paris, Loire Valley, Lyon, French Riviera, Monaco, Arles, Barcelona, Madrid
Tour operator:
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Trip Styles:
Interests:
Cultural, History, Photography, Rail Tours, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
From:
$4479
$4468 (USD)
Operator discount: -$11
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the cultural heartbeats of France and Spain with the "Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension" tour. This meticulously crafted adventure begins in the romantic city of Paris, where you'll explore iconic landmarks with a Local Specialist. Discover the historical treasures of Avignon, Nice, Monaco, and Arles, and marvel at architectural wonders like the Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and the La Sagrada FamÃlia. Visit the enchanting Château de Chenonceau and dive into the artistic world at the Dalà Theater and Museum. Enjoy scenic drives through the Loire Valley, and experience the luxury of cherry-picked hotels and a high-speed train ride to Madrid. With expert Travel Directors, professional drivers, and luxury air-conditioned coaches, this tour promises a blend of history, art, and scenic beauty, making it a perfect choice for those looking to immerse themselves in the rich cultures of France and Spain.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Welcome To Paris
Location: Paris
Accommodation: Pullman La Défense
Accommodation Name: Pullman La Défense Paris
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 Welcome Reception 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 Paris
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
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 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
Location: French Riviera
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
Meals Included: Breakfast
From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century. See the Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the remnants of the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Later we continue to the French Riviera, arriving in the seaside retreat of southern France, favored by aristocrats for centuries. With an evening at leisure, perhaps stroll around the Bay of Angels and join the Promenade des Anglais. Or sit and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets and listen to the blue Mediterranean waters lap against the shore.
Day 6: Enjoy Monaco And The Cote D'azur
Location: Monaco
Accommodation: Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Accommodation Name: Novotel Nice 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
Location: Barcelona
Accommodation: Barceló Sants
Accommodation Name: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
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: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
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 traditional Spanish restaurant.
Day 10 : Journey By Train To Madrid
Location: Madrid
Accommodation Name: Ayre Gran Colón Madrid
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 Madrid
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
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Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
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All porterage and restaurant gratuities
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All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
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Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
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Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
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Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
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Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
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Optional Experiences and free time
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High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid
What's Not Included
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Flights
International airfare to/from the start/end of your trip
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Insurance
Travel insurance
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Optional Experiences
Optional Experiences and free time
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Transfers
Transfers to and from the airport at destination
Mode of Transport
Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
Accommodation
Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided?
Accommodation includes cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted.
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What are some highlights of the tour?
Some highlights of the tour include exploring Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne, and Barcelona with a Local Specialist, discovering Avignon, Nice, Monaco, and Arles, visiting Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris, Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley, and the Dalà Theater and Museum in Figueres, and viewing iconic sites like Notre Dame Cathedral, the Eiffel Tower, and La Sagrada FamÃlia.
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What are the exclusions?
Exclusions include international airfare to/from the start/end of your trip, travel insurance, optional experiences and free time, and transfers to and from the airport at destination.
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What is the starting location of the tour?
The starting location of the tour is Paris.
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Are there any optional experiences available?
Yes, optional experiences and free time are available for an additional cost.
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What countries will I visit on the Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension tour?
You will visit France, Monaco, and Spain on the Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension tour.
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What is the ending location of the tour?
The ending location of the tour is Madrid.
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Is there a high-speed train included in the itinerary?
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid included in the itinerary.
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What type of transportation is provided?
Transportation includes 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?
Yes, breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals are 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
Reviews of this Operator
Dates & Availability
Friday - Tuesday
May 10, 2024 - May 21, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Aug 30, 2024 - Sep 10, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Sep 13, 2024 - Sep 24, 2024Friday - Tuesday
Apr 25, 2025 - May 06, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 09, 2025 - May 20, 2025Friday - Tuesday
May 23, 2025 - Jun 03, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 06, 2025 - Jun 17, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jun 20, 2025 - Jul 01, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 04, 2025 - Jul 15, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Jul 18, 2025 - Jul 29, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 01, 2025 - Aug 12, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 15, 2025 - Aug 26, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Aug 29, 2025 - Sep 09, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 12, 2025 - Sep 23, 2025Friday - Tuesday
Sep 26, 2025 - Oct 07, 2025Book 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