Jewels of Castilla, Burgundy and Alsace (2027)

Day 1: Madrid

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo! Transfer you to the hotel and free time. You will receive information in the afternoon, either directly or through the information board located at the hotel reception.

Day 2: Madrid

The morning will begin with a panoramic tour of Madrid lasting about two and a half hours. With our guide, we will discover the Spanish capital´s main landmarks: Cibeles Square, Puerta de Alcala, Retiro Park, Paseo de la Castellana, Colon Square, Paseo del Prado, Atocha, and the Royal Palace, among other iconic sites. After the tour, we’ll head to the historic city of TOLEDO, sheltered by the Tagus River. Its medieval streets tell stories of Christians, Jews, and Muslims. Free afternoon in Madrid.

Day 3: Madrid - Segovia - Ávila - Salamanca

Departure for the historic heart of Castile, visiting three World Heritage cities that preserve some of Spain’s most impressive monumental treasures. First, we’ll head to SEGOVIA, where you’ll enjoy free time to wander through its historic center and admire iconic landmarks such as the breathtaking Roman aqueduct, the Plaza Mayor, the Cathedral, and the Alcazar. We’ll then continue to AVILA, famous for its grand medieval walls. Before entering the city, we’ll make a photo stop at the Cuatro Postes viewpoint for the best panoramic views. You´ll have free time in Avila to stroll through its streets full of history.In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in SALAMANCA, one of Europe’s most beautiful university cities. We’ll take a guided tour of its magnificent historic center, highlighting the Plaza Mayor, the University, the Casa de las Conchas, and the cathedrals. Enjoy some free time to soak in the city’s lively atmosphere before checking in at the hotel.

Day 4: Salamanca - Tordesillas - Peñafiel - Castillo De La Mota - León

Today, travelling across vast Castilian plains, we’ll discover three sites dominated by impressive castles that have shaped the history and landscape of Castile and Leon. Our first stop will be in the town of TORDESILLAS, forever linked to Queen Joan I of Castile and the famous Treaty of Tordesillas, through which Spain and Portugal divided the New World. We’ll continue through the lands of Ribera del Duero—producer of some of Spain’s most prestigious wines and we will visit Bodegas Protos (admission included), located beside the Peñafiel Castle. We’ll take a tour of its facilities to learn about the winemaking process, from the underground galleries carved into the mountain to the modern aging rooms designed by Richard Rogers. Afterward, we’ll enjoy a traditional Castilian lunch; and later, we’ll visit the breathtaking MOTA CASTLE, one of Spain’s most spectacular fortresses and a symbol of the Catholic Monarchs´ power. Guided tour and admission included to its walls, courtyards, and underground galleries. We will head to our hotel in LEON.

Day 5: León - Fromista - Burgos

In the morning, we’ll begin with a complete tour of Leon, the former capital of the Kingdom of Leon, strolling through its historic center with its mix of medieval tradition and university vibe. During the visit, we’ll explore the magnificent Gothic cathedral (admission included), famous for housing some of the most beautiful stained-glass windows in Europe. Free time for lunch and wandering around. We’ll then continue our journey across the Castilian plateau—lands connected for centuries to the St. James’ Way. We’ll stop alongside the historic Canal of Castilla, one of the most ambitious hydraulic engineering projects of the Spanish Enlightenment. From there, we can walk alongside pilgrims to the Church of San Martin de Tours in FROMISTA (admission included), one of the greatest treasures of Spanish Romanesque architecture. We’ll then continue to BURGOS, where we recommend taking a walk through its historic city center.

Day 6: Burgos - San Millán de la Cogolla - Vitoria - Bilbao

After breakfast and before starting our day, we will head to the city center of Burgos. Free time to discover its cathedral or take a stroll through the historic downtown. We will continue to SAN MILLAN DE LA COGOLLA, a small enclave considered the birthplace of written Spanish. We will visit the Yuso Monastery (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage site where the famous Glosas Emilianenses were discovered, considered by many to be the earliest written texts in Spanish and Basque. We will arrive in VITORIA-GASTEIZ for lunch and a walk through its medieval old town, known as the "medieval almond" due to its unique shape. In the afternoon, we will continue toward Bilbao, making a stop before checking into the hotel to visit one of the most photogenic spots in the Basque Country: The Old Port of ALGORTA, featuring narrow streets lined with charming bars overlooking the Basque coast. Overnight stay in BILBAO.

Day 7: 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.

Day 8: 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 9: Bordeaux - Lourdes

The entire center of Bordeaux 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 10: 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 11: 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 12: 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 13: Dijon - Besançon - Colmar - Riquewihr - Strasbourg

While still in the Burgundy region, we’ll stop in Besançon, a city of Roman origin with a beautiful historic center and a 17th-century citadel that overlooks the town. We’ll then continue our journey to Alsace, a French region that has been contested between France and Germany for centuries. Alsace retains its own German dialect, Alsatian, along with architecture and traditions deeply rooted in Germanic culture. Our first stop in Alsace will be Colmar, a city with unique architecture, colorful half-timbered houses and canals winding through the town. Colmar is also famous for its white wine and gastronomy. You’ll have time for lunch and a leisurely walk. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the most beautiful towns in Alsace: Riquewihr, a medieval town with cobblestone streets and colorful houses that look like they’re straight out of a fairy tale—it even inspired scenes from Beauty and the Beast. We will also take the opportunity to visit an old winery and have a tasting of local wine with a typical sweet. We’ll arrive in Strasbourg in the evening. We recommend taking a walk around the cathedral area and Petite France, both filled with charming spots and cozy restaurants.

Day 14: Strasbourg - Champagne - Paris

Time in STRASBOURG, the capital of Alsace. The city is home to the European Parliament. Its historic center is stunning, with picturesque medieval streets, its impressive Gothic cathedral, and its canals and flowers. We include a boat ride along the canals of the Petite France district.We then continue our route towards the Champagne region to visit a traditional Champagne winery (tour and tasting included) and discover the secrets of the world’s most famous sparkling drink.Onward to PARIS, arrival at the end of the day.

Day 15: Paris

We’ll embark on a panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. Later, we’ll transfer to the charming Montmartre district, renowned for its street artists and quaint restaurants, where you can enjoy lunch. Afterward, we’ll head back to the hotel, stopping at the Louvre for those who wish to stay in the city center. We suggest visiting the museum. You’ll have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, you can attend an optional variety show.

Day 16: Paris

Today we’ll include a transfer to Versailles with its immense palace and beautiful gardens (admission not included). Free time in the afternoon in Paris. Your guide will offer options for a boat trip on the Seine and a visit to the Latin Quarter.

Day 17: Paris

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