Highlights of France and Barcelona with Madrid Extension
Tour Type:
Brochure Type Europe & Britain 2025 v1
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant chateaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon's Place de l'Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera.
Be My Guest
Brochure Type Europe & Britain 2025 v1
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant chateaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon's Place de l'Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera.
Be My Guest
- Villandry Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Chateau de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
- 11 Breakfast (B)
- 4 Dinner (D)
- Figueres Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
- Monaco City See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
- Avignon View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
- 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.
- Nice Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera.
- Paris Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
- Chartres Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
- Chateau Chenonceau Visit Chateau de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
- 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 façades of the Eixample district to see Gaudi's extraordinary masterpiece, the
- Carcassonne Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist.
- Paris Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening.
- View Notre Dame Cathedral and the Eiffel Tower in Paris, Chartres Cathedral, Chateau de Chambord, the Popes' Palace of Avignon, the Promenade des Anglais and Place Massena in Nice, Monaco's Royal Palace and Cathedral, the Roman Amphitheater of Arles and
- Discover Avignon, Nice, Monaco and Arles
- Explore Paris, Lyon, Carcassonne and Barcelona with a Local Specialist
- Scenic Drive through the Loire Valley
- Visit Saint-Sulpice Church in Paris, Chateau de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley and the Dalí Theater and Museum in Figueres
- Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
- All porterage and restaurant gratuities
- An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
- On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
- All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
- Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
- Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
- Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
- Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
- High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid
- Optional Experiences and free time
Call 1 8003707400 e x t 32 for more information or to book today! Mention code 18573235
- Tour Operator
- Trafalgar Tours
- Offer
- Offer valid through 9/30/2024
- Duration
- 12 Days
- Escorted
- Escorted - Yes
| Day | Destination | Description |
| Day 1 | Paris | Welcome to Paris: 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 Dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-elysees and Arc de Triomphe. Accommodations: Pullman La Defense |
| Day 2 | Paris | Explore the Sights of Paris: 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 cafe 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. Accommodations: Pullman La Defense |
| Day 3 | Loire Valley | Chartres and Chateaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals: 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 Chateau de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Chateau 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. Accommodations: Mercure Tours Nord |
| Day 4 | Lyon | Onwards to Lyon: 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. Accommodations: Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale |
| Day 5 | French Riviera | Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture: 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. Accommodations: Novotel Aeroport Cap 3000 |
| Day 6 | French Riviera | Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur: 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 Cote 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. Accommodations: Novotel Aeroport Cap 3000 |
| Day 7 | Carcassonne | Off to Colorful Arles and Carcassonne: 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 Cezanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cite, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers. Accommodations: Tribe Carcassonne |
| Day 8 | Barcelona | Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture: 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. Accommodations: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia |
| Day 9 | Barcelona | Discover Lively Barcelona: 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. Accommodations: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia |
| Day 10 | Madrid | Journey By Train to Madrid: Take the train to the Spanish capital. On arrival, transfer to your hotel. Accommodations: Ayre Gran Colón |
| Day 11 | Madrid | Fiery Madrid Your Way: After breakfast, enjoy a full free day at leisure to enjoy the sights and sounds of Madrid. Accommodations: Ayre Gran Colón |
| Day 12 | Madrid | Farewell Madrid: Enjoy breakfast before you are transferred to Madrid Airport for your onward journey home. Accommodations: |
- Dates/Pricing
- Disclaimer
- Twin prices are per person.
- These prices are correct at the time of the website going live, however are subject to confirmation at the time of booking.
- All tour information is correct at time of tours going live, however is subject to change, please confirm all details at time of booking.
- For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Conditions page.
- Hotel Class Key: D: Deluxe SF: Superior First Class F: First Class
