Castilla, Burgundy and Alsace Route (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 - Pamplona

After breakfast and before starting our day, we’ll head to the city center of Burgos. Free time to visit its cathedral or take a walk through the historic center. We continue to SAN MILLAN DE LA COGOLLA, a small enclave considered the birthplace of written Spanish. We’ll visit the Yuso Monastery (admission included), a World Heritage site where the famous “Glosas Emilianenses” were discovered—considered to be the earliest written texts in both Castilian Spanish and Basque. We’ll arrive in VITORIA-GASTEIZ for lunch and a stroll through its medieval quarter, known as the "Medieval Almond" for its unique shape. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our route to PAMPLONA, the historic capital of Navarre, world-famous for the San Fermín festival. Free time in the city center before heading to our hotel.

Day 7: Pamplona - Olite - Zaragoza - Poblet - Barcelona

After breakfast, we will head to OLITE, famous for one of the most remarkable castle-palaces in Spain. Its towers, galleries, courtyards, and gardens make it look straight out of a fairy tale. It was once the residence of the Kings of Navarre. Time to enjoy a coffee and stroll through its streets. We continue toward ZARAGOZA, situated along the banks of the Ebro River and known for the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, one of Spain´s major sanctuaries and a spiritual symbol of the Hispanic world. We then continue into Catalonia to visit one of the route´s great spiritual treasures: admission and visit included to the impressive Cistercian Monastery of Poblet, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Arrival at the hotel in BARCELONA, late in the afternoon.

Day 8: Barcelona

In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at your leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.

Day 9: Barcelona - Girona - Besalú - Colliure - Carcassonne

We’ll travel to northern Catalonia, starting with a visit to Girona. Here, you’ll have time to explore the city’s magnificent historic center, filled with medieval architecture and Roman, Arab, and Hebrew influences. We recommend visiting the Cathedral of Saint Mary, an impressive Gothic structure located in the upper part of the city, as well as the old Jewish quarter, known for its narrow, picturesque streets. Next, we’ll head to the charming medieval town of Besalú. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore its quaint streets, the impressive, fortified stone bridge, the castle, the Jewish baths, and the old pilgrim hospital. After lunch, we’ll continue into French Catalonia, stopping in Collioure, a small coastal town full of charm. You can enjoy its beautiful beach, wander through the port and narrow alleys, and visit the impressive castle, built on an ancient Roman castrum that once housed the court of the kings of Mallorca. If you’re interested, you can also visit the tomb of the poet Antonio Machado. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Carcassonne, considered Europe’s finest fortified city. We suggest taking a nighttime stroll to admire the beautifully lit walls and enjoying dinner at one of the many charming restaurants in the Cité.

Day 10: Carcassonne - Narbonne - Marseille

We’ll start the morning in Carcassonne. Accompanied by our guide, we’ll visit the impressive Castle of the Counts (admission included) and the medieval walls. Afterward, you’ll have some free time to explore on your own. After lunch, we’ll head to Narbonne, where you’ll have the chance to discover this charming Occitan city and its picturesque historic center. In the evening, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city. We recommend taking a stroll through the lively Vieux Port, known for its vibrant atmosphere and numerous 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.