Compare France and Spain with Lourdes by Europamundo Vacations vs Mediterranean Journey - Start Paris, Classic Group Start Paris Classic Group by Insight Vacations

Day 1: Paris - Blois - Tours - Villandry - Amboise

Today’s Highlights: Loire Valley. Villandry gardens. Dinner included. We will start the day by going to the south of France, to the area of the Loire Valley with a stop at Blois, a picturesque city where we recommend visiting the castle. After this we continue to the Loire Valley, visiting Tours, the regional capital on the banks of the Loire River, where you will be able to take a stroll and have lunch. In the afternoon we will visit the Chateau De Villandry, famous for its gardens and flowers (entrance to the gardens are included). Then we will journey on to Amboise, a city with a fascinating medieval quarter. Dinner included. Note: Sometimes the accommodation may be offered in the city of Tours.

Day 2: Amboise - Chenonceaux - Chambord - Limoges

Today’s Highlights: Castles of Loire. A day to learn more about the Loire region. First a stroll through Amboise in the early hours to the Clos Lucé mansion where leonardo da Vinci spent the last 3 years of his life. Exploring the Loire region in a little more depth, we visit Chenonceau Castle (tickets included), built like a bridge over the River Cher. We continue to Chambord, the largest castle of Loire (entrance to the park included). We will then travel to the centre of France, making a stop for coffee in Argenton Sur Creuse, a small medieval town on the banks of the Creuse River. We continue to Limoges, a city known for its porcelain, where we recommend a stroll in the centre to see its cathedral.

Day 3: Limoges - Sarlat - Beynac - Rocamadour

Today’s Highlights: Dordogne Valley of unforgettable villages. Lascaux cave museum. Beynac medieval castle. Dinner included. We will leave Limoges for the Dordogne. Few regions contain so many villages full of charm and unforgettable countryside. We arrive at Lascaux, we will include admission to the museum and replica of the caves, we will learn about the site’s prehistory with the magnificent cave paintings. After that we see Sarlat, a world heritage town with an incredibly well-preserved Renaissance historic centre, where there will be time to stroll and have lunch. In Beynac we see a medieval castle overlooking the river (admission included). Rocamadour, a beautiful medieval village with an important sanctuary “hung” over a ravine; we suggest you walk down the via crucis and come back up in the lift. Dinner included.

Day 4: Rocamadour - Padirac - Collonge La Rouge - St Emilion - Bordeaux

Highlights: Padirac Caves, Midi Region and winemakers. We will go to the impressive Padirac caves, where we include a boat ride on the river 75 metres underground. A stop at Collonge La Rouge, a very picturesque village built with red stone on the Way of St James. Time for lunch. After lunch we travel to St. Emilion, at the heart of the Bordeaux wine producing region. Time for a stroll. Bordeaux, arrival at the end of the afternoon. NB: The caves may be closed in November or due to the weather conditions.

Day 5: Bordeaux - Lourdes

Today’s Highlights: Cite du Vin in Bordeaux. Lourdes. Dinner included. The entire centre of Bordeaux has been declared a world heritage site. You will be amazed by the “water mirror” and stroll through the old town with its pedestrian streets and 11th century cathedral. We will include admission (free visit with audio information in Spanish, French or English) to the Cite Du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that recounts the history of the wine and its production; wine tasting included at the viewpoint over Bordeaux. You will have free time later to stroll and have lunch on the banks of the Garonne River, an area full of small restaurants. We continue our way towards the Pyrenees, arriving to Lourdes in the mid-afternoon. We have time to see the sanctuary (we recommend attending the candle procession). Dinner included.

Day 6: Lourdes - Saint Bernard - Carcassonne – Andorra

Today’s Highlights: Medieval villages of St. Bertrand or Carcassonne. Skirting the Pyrenees, we will stop in Saint Bertrand, a medieval village perched on the mountainside, dominated by its great cathedral. Time for a stroll before travelling on to Carcassonne, a city surrounded by beautiful walls. We continue through the Pyrenees on a journey between the, often, snow-capped summits, and cross into the small country of Andorra. Dinner included.

Day 7: Andorra - Montserrat - Barcelona

Today’s Highlights: Catalonia region. Montserrat Monastery. Rack train climb. We will have free time in Andorra for shopping and exploring. After lunch, we will continue our trip and head to Catalonia. The mountain countryside leads us to the impressive site of the Montserrat Monastery, where you will go up the mountain on a rack train to see its fantastic scenery. Following this we will continue to Barcelona, arriving in the late afternoon.

Day 8: Barcelona

Today’s Highlights: Barcelona city tour. “Spanish Village” visit and evening transfer to Las Ramblas district. Today we will explore Barcelona, an impressive city right on the Medi­terranean Sea. Starting by an informative city tour with a local expert (note: If the group has fewer than fifteen people, explanations can be given by our guide.) We will also visit the city’s historic central area with its Gothic neigh­bourhood dating back to the Middle Ages. We will visit the area where the Olympic Games took place. We will also get the chance to see La Sagrada Fa­milia Basilica, the masterpiece designed by the architect Gaudí. Following this, we include the entry ticket to visit ‘Poble Espanyol’ (meaning ‘Spanish Village’). This open-air architectural museum is situated in one of the most emblematic areas of Barcelona. Enjoy the Spanish craftsmanship and discover the architectural styles, traditions and folklore of the different regions that make up Spain. You will then have some free time to explore the city at your own leisure. In the evening we provide a transfer to Las Ramblas and the Plaza Cata­lunya area for dinner, where you can choose from a wide variety of restaurants. We will return to the hotel in the late evening.

Day 9: Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia - Madrid

Today’s Highlights: visit Peniscola, a beautiful walled town and its castle by the sea. Discover Valencia’s City of Arts and Sciences. Evening transfer in Madrid. We will journey south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a small walled town on the shores of the sea and where we have time for a stroll. We will then travel to Valencia, the third largest city in Spain. After time for lunch in its historic city centre, at 16.30 hrs, we will continue our route to Madrid after passing through the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia where we can take a picture. Arrival to Madrid at the end of the day and transfer to the Plaza Mayor where we can relax at some typical taverns. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey between Valencia and Madrid may be done by high-speed train.

Day 10: Madrid

Today’s Highlights: Madrid city tour. Stroll through the Retiro Park. Visit to the Las Ventas bullring. Evening transfer. The morning starts with a comprehensive tour through the centre of Madrid including the Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, the Gate of Alcalá, Plaza de Colón and Plaza Mayor. We then will visit Retiro Park, an oasis in the city centre, where we will see the lake and the Glass Palace. A visit to Las Ventas Bullring (admission included) is next. This is one of the most famous bullrings in the world where we will learn about the tradition of the “corridas” at the Bullfighting Museum. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your own leisure. At sunset we will provide a transfer to Plaza de Oriente, opposite the Royal Palace, an elegant and bustling area with many restaurants serving different cuisines, such as local Spanish food, international and Chinese. Enjoy a pleasant dinner of your choice. At the end of the evening we will return to the hotel together.

Day 11: Madrid

After breakfast, end of our services.

Day 1: Welcome to Paris

Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.

Day 2: Paris, the City of Light

Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose between exploring aristocratic Marais district with your Local Expert, including a visit to beautiful Sully's Mansion garden, or alternatively join a Local Expert who is an avid foodie, to explore the local market and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.

Day 3: Amboise and on to Bordeaux

Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenoneau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.

Day 4: Bordeaux and San Sebastián

Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.

Day 5: On to Madrid Relaxed Start

Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?

Day 6: Madrid

Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica.  Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour to learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.

Day 7: Madrid and beautiful Barcelona

Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.

Day 8: Barcelona, City of Gaudi

Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.

Day 9: Avignon, the City of Popes

Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.

Day 10: On the shores of Nice

Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.

Day 11: Monaco and Pisa

Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.

Day 12: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start

Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.

Day 13: The Eternal City of Rome

Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, what better way to toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey, than with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.

Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome

A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special, fast-tracked entry to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?

Day 15: Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start

The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?

Day 16: Arrivederci Roma

Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.