France & Spain Encompassed
14 days, Paris to Bilbao
Itinerary
Day 1Paris
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.
Paris Orientation Walk by Night
Join your CEO on a short walk through the streets of Paris at night. With the buildings illuminated and the daytime tourist crowds out of the way, you're free to photograph the French capital from her best possible angles. The leisurely nighttime route takes you past Opera Garnier, the Champs Elysees, Les Invalides, and much more.
Day 2Paris
Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led walking tour. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.
Due to lines and wait times we recommend purchasing tickets in advance for popular landmarks that you wish to visit on your own.
Montmartre Walking Tour
Take in the Abbesses Métro Montmartre Line 12 station and enjoy Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau entrance; one of only three remaining original métro constructions in Paris. Move onward to Picasso's studio, where Cubism was born, and finish up at Toulose Latrec's last address.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore. Tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list, scan the scenery from a boat cruise, or sit at one of the Parisian cafes and watch the world go by.
Optional Activities - Day 2 HideShow
Eiffel Tower Visit
16EUR per personVisit the most famous landmark in France, the Eiffel Tower. Opt to climb the stairs or take an elevator to the top for a stunning view over the city. Hang out at dusk and watch the tower light up.
The Louvre Visit
12-16EUR per personExamine the massive collection at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa and the Winged Venus. While it might take a lifetime to view everything in the museum, one of the largest in the world, make the most of the time you have and try to spend at least a few hours wandering around.
Bateaux Parisiens cruise from Eiffel Tower
Climb aboard and set sail, enjoying the stunning Parisian architecture by water.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 3Paris/Lyon
Enjoy a leisurely morning for any last sightseeing before boarding a local train bound for Lyon. Check into your hotel and then set off to explore some of the city's highlights on a CEO-led walking tour, culminating at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for great views over the city. The rest of the evening is free to choose from a breadth of amazing restaurants in the city for dinner.
Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.
Free Time
Take in any last-minute sightseeing in Paris this morning before boarding the train to Lyon.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.
Lyon Walking Tour
Set out on foot exploring Lyon and take in the historic Roman and Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finish up at the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière where you can enjoy a beautiful viewpoint.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 4Lyon
Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Lyon. Now is the time to explore. Sample local flavours with a local food tour, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, or sit back and enjoy the view on a river cruise. There's something for everyone.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 5Lyon/Nîmes
Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.
Nîmes Old City Tour
Embark on a walking discovery of Dualism: a dialogue between past and present. Explore the Roman ruins, including the Arena of Nîmes, while simultaneously appreciating the thriving street art and architecture scene. A true French experience.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Nîmes; now is the time to explore. Wander through the Jardin de La Fontaine or dive into the culture at the Museum Romanité.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 6Nîmes/Barcelona
Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a taxi.
Pont du Gard Visit
Dive into Roman history and engineering as you explore the highest Roman aqueduct ever built, aptly named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in views of the Gardon River and learn about how this feature once supplied water to the city of Nîmes.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Your Foodie Moment: Farm-to-Table Lunch
Savour a delicious farm-to-table lunch from a traditional French restaurant near the Pont du Gard, prepared from fresh and local ingredients.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Local Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.
Meals included:
Breakfast | LunchDay 7Barcelona
Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.
Due to lines and wait times we recommend purchasing tickets in advance for popular landmarks you may wish to visit on your own.
Barcelona Walking Tour
Discover the enchanting Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a maze of narrow, winding streets filled with medieval architecture, hidden plazas, and ancient Roman remnants. Stroll past the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, charming shops, and cozy tapas bars, while soaking in the history that dates back over 2,000 years. A captivating journey through the city's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood.
Free Time
There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona; now is your chance to explore. Check out the iconic Sagraga Familia, Parque Güell, or wander down Las Ramblas.
Optional Activities - Day 7 HideShow
Montjuïc Visit
5EUR per personClimb to the top of Montjuïc hill for fantastic city views and a visit to a 17th-century fortress, once used as a prison and execution site.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Las Ramblas Visit
See and be seen on Las Ramblas, a large tree-lined pedestrian boulevard perfect for people watching and window shopping that ends at the harbourfront facing the Mediterranean Sea.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 8Barcelona
Enjoy a full free day in Barcelona. Perhaps spend more time admiring the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, wander through iconic neighbourhoods, or sample more of the delicious local treats at one of the many cafes.
Due to lines and wait times we recommend purchasing tickets in advance for popular landmarks you may wish to visit on your own.
Your Discover Moment
There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona, and we wanted to make sure that you had some time to take it all in. Feel free to relax or try optional activities like visit to the Gothic Quarter, Las Ramblas, and the Picasso Museum. Your CEO has more ideas if you need them. Just ask
Optional Activities - Day 8 HideShow
Casa Batlló
25-30EUR per personDeemed the crowning architectural work of Antoni Gaudí, Casa Batlló is a must-visit on anyone's trip to Barcelona.
La Barceloneta Visit
FreeTake a stroll on the boardwalk in the neighbourhood of La Barceloneta, an area known for its beaches and waterfront walkway. Visit local restaurants and nightclubs or check out the monuments while there.
La Sagrada Família Visit
17-37EUR per personVisit Gaudí’s most famous life work, the cathedral of La Sagrada Familia, an inspiring, yet, bizarre testament to the artist’s unique vision.
Parque Güell Visit
10EUR per personGet away from it all with a visit to the imaginative Parque Guell. The fantastical works of Antoni Gaudí (1852–1926) are scattered throughout Barcelona, a grouping of these including Parque Guell, Casa Mila, and the Crypt of La Sagrada Familia were established as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. Stroll the tree-lined paths and admire Gaudi’s creative genius at play.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 9Barcelona/Logroño
Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.
Train
Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery
Head to a nearby winery for a tasting experience of some of La Rioja's finest varieties with an on-site expert. Learn a bit about what makes the region so ideal for wine-producing with the area's climate and soil as you try to pick out different flavours and notes from the various types of wines available.
Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience
See (and taste) what all the fuss is about – Basque cuisine is famous worldwide, with many believing this is the best food in the country. Enjoy a delicious culinary experience on this pintxos (tapas) crawl from tavern to tavern, tasting and learning all about the different delicacies of the area.
Meals included:
Breakfast | DinnerDay 10Logroño
Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.
Free Time
Enjoy a full free day in La Rioja wine country to do as much or as little as you please.
Optional Activities - Day 10 HideShow
Logroño Cathedral
FreeThe Logroño Cathedral (also known as the Santa María de la Redonda) has played an important role in La Rioja culture for over 500 years. Known for its "twin" towers constructed in a classic Baroque style, the cathedral's interiors are just as stunning, with a large painting attributed to Michaelangelo gracing the main altar.
Museum of La Rioja
FreeUncover the history and culture of La Rioja (beyond its famous wines) at the Museo de la Rioja. Set in an 18th century palace, the museum's collection includes items spanning the paleolithic era to the Middle Ages, alongside contemporary religious artifacts. Admission is free with a piece of ID.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 11Logroño/San Sebastian
Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Hike from Obanos to Puente la Reina
This section between Obanos and Puente la Reina is a particularly short but picturesque stretch of the Camino de Santiago. The trail follows the gentle flow of the Robo river, winding its way through green fields and orchards. The path itself is well-maintained and relatively flat, making it an easy and enjoyable walk, allowing hikers to take in the serene surroundings and absorb the tranquility of the countryside.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Palacio Real de Olite Visit
Visit the gorgeous Palace of the Kings of Navarre in Olite. The grand monument consists of 3 sections, the Old Palace, New Palace and a church named the Iglesia de Santa María la Real. Explore the many hallways, galleries and bedrooms and learn about it's royal history and military significance since it was built in the 13th century.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Private Vehicle
Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 12San Sebastian
Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike, or a walking tour.
Orientation Walk of San Sebastian
Head out with your CEO on foot to get your bearings of San Sebastian's vibrant city centre. Get tips on the best places to visit, explore and eat.
Free Time
Set off to discover San Sebastian as you please and choose from a variety of different optional activities.
Optional Activities - Day 12 HideShow
Cider House Visit and Tastings
55EUR per personVisit one of the many local cider houses in the area for an introduction into the world of cider-making from local apples. Sample some of the various flavours and types and learn how the different ciders are produced in this region of Spain.
San Sebastian eBike Tour
50EUR per personStrap on a helmet and set off on an eBike with a local guide to explore San Sebastian's surrounding coast and landscapes. Hear about some of the important sites as you pass and soak in the incredible views of Basque Country.
San Sebastian Walking Tour
50EUR per personSet out on foot with a local guide to discover the old and new parts of San Sebastian. Starting downtown, see the main landmarks like city. hall and the Good Shepherd Cathedral, before exploring parts of the old town, passing churches and walking along streets lined with historical buildings and taverns.
Cooking Class in San Sebastian
Dive into the Basque region's culinary world on a cooking class in San Sebastian. First visit a local market with a chef to see all of the fresh produce and ingredients before donning the apron and learning how to prepare some dishes for yourself.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 13San Sebastian/Bilbao
Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Local Bus
Climb aboard, grab a seat, and enjoy the ride.
Orientation Walk of Bilbao
Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk of Bilbao to get your bearings and to see some of the main sights.
Free Time
Enjoy a free afternoon to explore Bilbao's sights and museums.
Optional Activities - Day 13 HideShow
Parque de Etxebarría Visit
FreeClimb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria and be rewarded with beautiful views over Bilbao.
Basilica of Begoña Visit
FreeTake in the beauty of the Basilica of Begoña. It was built in the 1500s with a mix of Gothic architecture and a number of other styles.
Guggenheim Museum Visit
13EUR per personBe sure to visit the Guggenheim Museum – it’s a must-see, even if just to marvel at the outside of the building. See Frank Gehry’s acclaimed work – he designed this titanium-clad twisting, curving, and angular building to much praise in the 1990s. Tour the building to take in its maritime theme, supposedly representing the ships along the docks of the city, with titanium squares acting as fish scales and the skylights inside designed to look like fish fins.
Casco Viejo Visit
FreeTake some time to wander through Casco Viejo (Old Town), a medieval neighbourhood also known as Las Siete Calles (Seven Streets), that's considered the most colourful in Bilbao. Discover its many churches, shops, and taverns, and take the elevators to the areas at the top of the hill for further exploration.
Meals included:
BreakfastDay 14Bilbao
Depart at any time.
Departure Day
Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with travel arrangements to extend your adventure.