Madrid, Basque Country, Lourdes, Provence and Burgundy with Paris (2027)

Day 1: Madrid

Arrival in MADRID. Transfer to the hotel. In the afternoon, we include a panoramic tour of the city, where you’ll see the most iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, the Cibeles Fountain, and the Paseo del Prado with its renowned museums. We’ll end the tour at Plaza Mayor, where you can enjoy the vibrant nighttime atmosphere of this area.

Day 2: Madrid

Free day. We’ll offer you an optional visit to the historic city of TOLEDO.

Day 3: Madrid - Burgos - Vitoria - Bilbao

Departure from Madrid heading north into the heart of Castile, where the landscape opens into grain fields, rolling hills, and towns frozen in time. Our first stop will be in Burgos, a prominent Castilian city and the historic home of legendary medieval knights like El Cid Campeador. You´ll have free time to stroll through its charming streets and discover its magnificent Gothic cathedral. We then continue toward Vitoria-Gasteiz, the elegant Basque capital renowned for its high quality of life and harmonious urban design. Free time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we press on toward Bilbao. Before checking in to our hotel, we will stop at one of the most photogenic spots on the Basque coast: the Old Port of Algorta (Puerto Viejo), featuring narrow alleys lined with charming bars overlooking the sea. Overnight stay in Bilbao.

Day 4: Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastián

After breakfast, we will do a guided tour of Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and the region´s primary economic and cultural hub. It is home to the stunning Guggenheim Museum, famous for its breathtaking exterior architecture. You will have free time to stroll around or visit the museum if you wish. After lunch, we will head to Guernica, an iconic town marked by one of the most tragic events of the Spanish Civil War, immortalized in Pablo Picasso’s world-renowned painting. Here, you will find the Tree of Guernica, beneath whose branches the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages. We will continue to San Sebastian. Upon arrival, we´ll go up the hill to Monte Igueldo, from where we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city. Afterward, we´ll head to the city center, and you can explore the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa, known for its beautiful beaches, grand boulevards, and lively Old Town. We’ll enjoy some pintxos and drinks (included), which are typical of Basque gastronomy.

Half board dinner includes: Gilda, txistorra skewer, Txangurro tart, pork bun and torrija dessert 1 glass of wine, 1 beer or 1 soft drink per person Gilda without antxoa, tomato casserole, ratatouille tartlet, scrambled eggs and mushrooms, torrija dessert

Day 5: San Sebastián - Bordeaux

In the morning, we go first to Hondarribia where you will enjoy free time in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its lovely beach, walls, and charming historic center. Afterward, we´ll head to the Basque Cider Museum (admission and tasting included) to learn about the traditions and production of this popular drink. Free time in SAN SEBASTIAN for lunch. In the early afternoon, we cross into France. Arrival in BORDEAUX at the end of the day. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

Day 6: Bordeaux - Lourdes

After breakfast, we will go to the city center of Bordeaux, a city that has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

Half board dinner includes: HTL ALBA: Main course: Leek tart Dessert: Grilled Chicken, Green Salad with Tomatoes, French Fries Drinks: Coffee Eclair Mediterranean HTL: Starter: Cheese delight Main course: Turkey escalope with mushroom cream and sautéed potatoes Dessert: Éclair

Day 7: Lourdes - Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille

We’ll travel through the south of France, stopping in Carcassonne, a city surrounded by some of the most beautiful walls in Europe. You´ll have time to walk and explore. After lunch, we’ll continue to Narbonne, where you’ll have free time to discover this historic Occitan city with its picturesque old town. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city. We recommend a walk through its vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), bustling with life and dotted with charming small restaurants.

Day 8: Marseille - Arles - Avignon - Lyon

Villages, landscapes, history – today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence. In Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city, we’ll explore its Roman and medieval legacy and be reminded of Van Gogh. In Les Baux, we’ll visit this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries. We’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey will continue to Lyon, where we’ll walk through the World Heritage Site old town and take the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a huge basilica offering a great view over the city.Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will visit the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard instead.

Day 9: Lyon - Tournus - Beaune - Savigny Castle - Dijon

We’ll set off from Lyon and head to the Burgundy region. Our first stop will be Tournus, a quaint little town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. After that, we’ll travel to Beaune, where we’ll have time for lunch and to explore the wine capital of Burgundy. We recommend visiting the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next, we’ll visit the Savigny Castle, situated in the heart of this winemaking region. Built in the 15th century, the castle houses extraordinary museums featuring motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Our journey will continue to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its lively streets and numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the standout Palace of the Dukes.

Day 10: Dijon - Abbey of Fontenay - Semur-en-Auxois - Vézelay - Paris

We’ll leave Dijon for Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll include admission to this Cistercian center. Afterward, we’ll stop in Semur-en-Auxois, a medieval city surrounded by impressive ancient walls. Still in Burgundy, we’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in Vézelay, one of France’s most beautiful villages, where its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our route to Paris, arriving in the evening.

Day 11: Paris

Day 12: Paris

Day 13: Paris

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.