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Highlights of France and Barcelona

10 Day France & Spain Tour of Paris & Lyon | Operated by Trafalgar

  • 10 Days

  • 3 Countries

    France, Monaco, Spain
  • 13 Cities

    Paris, Chartres, Loire Valley, Lyon, Avignon, French Riviera, Monaco City, Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Arles, Carcassonne, Figueres, Barcelona, Madrid
  • 13 Meals

    4 Dinners, 9 Breakfasts
  • Pace: Active

    Faster paces with mix of 1–2-night stays in each location. Typically features 4+ miles of walking on some days and may involve steep hills and uneven surfaces, such as cobblestones.

Trip Itinerary

Day 1: 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-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.

Hotel: Pullman La Défense Paris
Included Meals: Dinner
Iconic Experience: See the Top Sights of Paris Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening. 
Notes
Day 2: 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 café 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.

Hotel: Pullman La Défense Paris
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Paris City Tour Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
Notes
Day 3: Chartres and Châteaux in the Loire Valley

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 Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château 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.

Hotel: Mercure Tours Nord
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Be My Guest: Dine with the Montferrier Family in the Loire Valley Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
Iconic Experience: Château de Chenonceau Visit Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
Iconic Experience: Chartres Orientation Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
Notes
Day 4: 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. 

Hotel: Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Lyon City Tour Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic center. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below. 
Notes
Day 5: Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera

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.

Hotel: Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: Avignon Orientation View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
Iconic Experience: Nice Orientation Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera.
Notes
Day 6: 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 Côte 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.

Hotel: Novotel Nice Aéroport Cap 3000
Included Meals: Breakfast
Iconic Experience: See Monaco Cathedral See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
Notes
Day 7: 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 Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.

Hotel: Tribe Carcassonne
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Iconic Experience: Visit Carcassonne with a Local Specialist Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist. 
Notes
Day 8: Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona

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.

Hotel: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Included Meals: Breakfast
Dive Into Culture: Dalí Theater-Museum Visit Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.
Iconic Experience: Barcelona City Tour 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 mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Notes
Day 9: 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.

Hotel: Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Included Meals: Breakfast, Dinner
Notes
Day 10: Journey Home

It's time to close the curtain on an unforgettable holiday in France and Barcelona. Say adiós to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions.

Included Meals: Breakfast
Notes
This itinerary is for reference only. Upon booking with GET, guests will receive tour documents which will list all confirmed hotels and itineraries based upon the guest's departure date.

Price Includes

What's Included
  • - An expert Travel Director and professional Driver
  • - Cherry-picked hotels, all tried and trusted
  • - All porterage and restaurant gratuities
  • - All hotel tips, charges and local taxes
  • - Breakfast daily and up to half of your evening meals
  • - Must-see sightseeing and surprise extras
  • - Audio headsets for flexible sightseeing
  • - Luxury air-conditioned coach with Wi-Fi in most countries or alternative transportation (such as rail journeys)
  • - Optional Experiences and free time
  • - High-speed train from Barcelona to Madrid
  • - On occasion, hotels of similar standard and location may be utilized.
Dining Summary
  • - 4 Dinners (D)
  • - 9 Breakfasts (B)
Iconic Experience
  • Explore the iconic sights and streets of Paris on an orientation drive this evening. 
  • Join a Local Specialist to discover the hidden squares and secret lanes of Paris.
  • Visit Château de Chenonceau or commonly known as 'Ladies Castle' which got its name from the many women who influenced its construction.
  • Bask in the beautiful religious architecture from the 13th century as you explore the town of Chartres.
  • Join a Local Specialist for a sightseeing tour through Lyon's historic center. Ascend Fourvière hill for panoramic views of of the city below. 
  • View the Pont d'Avignon and walk the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to the Palais des Papes.
  • Enjoy exploring the beautiful coastal city of Nice on the French Riviera.
  • See the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married.
  • Explore the fortified city of Carcassonne with a Local Specialist. 
  • 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 mesmerizing Sagrada Família.
Be My Guest
  • Return to 17th-century France and join the de Montferrier family on their farm near the famous Château de Villandry for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner paired with local wines.
Dive Into Culture
  • Visit the Dalí Theater-Museum, considered Salvador Dalí's last great work offering visitors real insight into his captivating world.

Optional Experiences

Optional Experiences are subject to change. Your Travel Director will supply you with a final list of Optional Experiences available on your trip. Optional Experiences cannot be booked online; they can be purchased during your trip through your Travel Director.

Montmartre Village and Artists' Square (Available on Day 2)

Many people go to Paris, but only a few are lucky enough to experience what it’s really all about. Join us for a stroll with our Local Specialist through Montmartre – an artists’ village once home to Picasso and Toulouse Lautrec, tucked away from the modern city. The paint will still be wet on the canvasses, as we watch apprentices work before our eyes in the famous Artist’s Square. Mingle, barter, and stand in awe of Sacré Coeur Basilica in this historic, bohemian neighborhood.

Adult Price: €47 Moulin Rouge Cabaret and Dinner (Available on Day 2)

It’s world famous for a reason, and this is your chance to see the real-life inspiration behind the award-winning movie. This Parisian institution features 60 dancers and entertainers with over 1,000 costumes to create a dazzling spectacle. You'll enjoy wine, dinner and Champagne during this unforgettable soirée at the original Parisian Cabaret! 

Adult Price: €205 Saint-Paul-de-Vence, Corniche Drive, Perfumery and Meal (Available on Day 6)

Today, with our Local Specialist, discover the artists' and shoppers' paradise that is medieval Saint-Paul-de-Vence, consistently named the most beautiful hilltop town in the region. Next, we’ll travel the famed Corniche roads to witness the most spectacular views of the Riviera coastline and its lavish villas. Along the way we’ll pay a visit to a traditional French perfumery and then finish our excursion at a local restaurant for a delicious meal with wine.

Adult Price: €91 On the Trail of Vincent Van Gogh (Available on Day 7)

You simply can’t visit Arles without seeing all of the treasures the Romans left behind. Marvel at the amphitheater built 2000 years ago, then switch gears with your Local Specialist to learn about Arles’ other great claim to fame – the locations where Vincent Van Gogh produced some of his most famous works in Provence, including The Starry Night. 

 

Adult Price: €26 Catalonian Dinner and the Dancing Fountains (Available on Day 8)

Join us for drinks and a Catalonian meal in the bustling city of Barcelona. After dinner, we’ll take you to see the spectacle of the famous Dancing Fountains, which were built for the 1929 World’s Fair and are one of the wonders of the modern world. As the fountains do not operate every day, on occasion we will admire several of Barcelona’s iconic beautifully-illuminated buildings instead.

Adult Price: €71 Flamenco Spectacular With Dinner (Available on Day 8)

Come and experience the passion and spirit of Spain at a spectacular flamenco evening. This modern interpretation of Spain's most famous entertainment is one of the best shows in town, and we’ve even included dinner and drinks.

Adult Price: €96 Mystical Montserrat (Available on Day 9)

Today, with our Local Specialist, take a drive to the enchanting and mystical mountain of Montserrat, with its breathtaking views and spectacular scenery. While there, visit the Benedictine monastery to view the famed Black Madonna. At the daily farmer's market, perhaps sample and purchase their homemade cheeses, honeys, and other local specialties.

Adult Price: €53 Barcelona, Past and Present (Available on Day 9)

Step back in time to uncover the history of the Barcelona from its Roman beginnings to the modern day. With your Local Specialist, stroll the maze of narrow streets and courtyards, home to gothic churches, the Kings Square, and the Jewish Quarter. Spain’s Golden Era will come alive as we visit sites from Columbus’ return from the Americas, the Spanish Inquisition, and the Spanish Civil War. We’ll finish at a local food market to shop like the locals and perhaps try traditional tapas.

Adult Price: €33