In the morning we will depart from Paris to arrive at the heart of the Provence, Avignon, in the evening. This region of France is very diverse with lively cities, winding mountains that will change its distinct views depending on the season of the year. Let's take a break from the fashion and luxury of the big metropoles and head to the south of France. Enjoy the sceneries of picturesque small towns, wind down and appreciate nature and the rural culture. You will experience the romantic ambience of South France, visit Gordes, the most beautiful village of the Provence. Follow in Vincent van Gogh's footsteps in the small town of Arles and taste the world-renowned mellow flavor of Bordeaux wine, and visit the shopping paradise that is Andorra.

Overnight stay in Avignon or city nearby.

 

We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the broken bridge which is also know as Pont d’Avignon. The palace dates to the 14th century, with the support from the King of France the Roman church moved its capital thus making Avignon the second religious capital of the Roman-Catholic church.

In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. The village of Gordes is made of limestone dating back to 1525 with its buildings rooting themselves into the steep cliff giving the village town its other names; the Stone City and the City in the Sky. The village is considered by the Association des plus villages de France one of France's most beautiful villages.

Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence.

Overnight stay in Avignon or city nearby.

Please note：Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！

 

In the morning we will drive to Arles. The small town is famous because the well-known Dutch master of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, whom lived in the sanatorium of Arles from 1888 – 1889. Although Van Gogh stayed for only one year, that single year is considered the most productive period of his life. He painted more than two hundred oil paintings during his stay in Arles. Creating his world-renowned art pieces; The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village’s connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times.

In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona.

If time permits, upon arrival, everyone can participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.

Overnight stay in Barcelona or city nearby.

In the morning, embark on a self-paid group activity and drive to the mountainous area to visit the "Montserrat Monastery,"Located on the famous Catalan Mountain. The well-known abbey is the most important religious shrine in Catalonia. The monastery is home to La Moreneta, the black Madonna. The black-faced Madonna statue holding the holy child in her lap is the guardian of the spirit and soul of the local people.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona. The attractions include the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet." Afterward, visit the exterior of Camp Nou, the famous football stadium, for photos and souvenir shopping. Then, proceed to Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square. Return to the hotel after dinner.

Overnight stay in Barcelona or city nearby

Reservation visit time: 15:00 - 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org.

 

After having breakfast at the hotel, you'll leave Barcelona for Spain's third largest city, Valencia. In Valencia's history, the city was celebrated as the gateway to the Mediterranean. It's commercially and culturally rich, with Moorish and Arab culture and food. Although today's Valencia is less prominent, it's still an important city for large commerce exhibitions and trade fairs to be held in throughout the year.

Upon arrival, you will visit the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia, Valencia's Ancient City Gates and the Valencia Cathedral, where the true Holy Grail is preserved.a photo stop at Ciudad de las Artes y las Ciencias. After the tour the day is rounded off with a drive into Alicante.

 

 

In the morning, you depart for the city of Granada on the plateau of the Andalusian province. This historic city has been ruled by the Visigoths and Arabs. It became the last stronghold of the Arab dynasty during its eight-hundred- year-long rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled the Arabs and managed to unite Spain. You would enter and visit the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, also known as the Red Palace. Alternatively, heading to visit the old city of Granada, with its exquisite and delicate architecture.

Following that, embark on a drive to the Mijas, a self-paid group activity, to visit famous white village and winding streets, charming nooks and crannies, flower decked house and numerous tiny squares.

 

In the morning, Embark on a self-paid group activity in the morning and head to Ronda, the birthplace of Spanish bullfighters. Ronda proudly holds the distinction of being home to Spain's oldest bullring, where the love, hatred, and passion of the fighters of that era were witnessed. Despite its seemingly serene facade, Ronda emanates a vibrant Spanish charm that is unmatched. The town's romantic and peaceful white houses perched on the dramatic cliffs serve as a testament to its allure.

After the group activity to Ronda or Mijas the tour will go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous region of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many operas, of which the best known is Bizet’s Carmen. As the fourth largest city in Spain, it has hosted the Universal Exposition of Seville in 1992. Upon arrival, you will visit the Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Its completion dates back to the early 16th century and now the cathedral halls serve as the Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings for over a century. The tomb of Christopher Columbus, who discovered the New World, is also in the church as a credit to the great navigator.

From there onwards you will see the Alcázar of Seville, which used to be a Muslim palace and a Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence today, which makes it the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe. It was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral. We will walk to Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro (the Tower of Gold) and Maria Luisa Park, where the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de España (Spain Square), you can admire crafted porcelain paintings, detailing the history and elegance of historical Spain.

 

Today the tour departs for the capital and the largest city of Portugal, Lisbon. You are expected to arrive in Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca) in the afternoon. This is the most western extent of mainland Portugal and continental Europe. At the cape, you can see the enormous Atlantic Ocean surrounded by endless scenery. Don't forget to buy the remembrance certificate to prove that you once set foot on the west point.

Later we will head back to the Lisbon city centre and visit the Belém Tower and Jerónimos Monastery, both were classified a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Belem Tower was important during the Age of Discovery, as this was the place where the ships would depart. The Jerónimos Monastery is one of the most prominent examples of Portuguese Late Gothic Manueline style of architecture in Lisbon. You will pass through the Marquis of Pombal Square and then stop at the Rossio Square for some free time. Those who are interested in Portuguese custard tarts can taste the authentic ones at a century-old bakery.

 

Today we will drive back to Madrid via Toledo, a World Heritage Site declared by UNESCO in 1986 for its extensive cultural and monumental heritage. This old city is located on a mountaintop, surrounded on three sides by a bend in the Tagus River, and contains many historical buildings. By strolling across the city, overlooking the Alcázar of Toledo and visiting the grand structure of the Toledo Cathedral, you will feel the bustling of Spain in the old time.

Then take a well-earned rest as you sit back, drive through the breath-taking landscape of Spain and enjoy its rich palette of colours in natural surroundings, while you journey to Madrid.

 

We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of Madrid, the capital of Spain, where you will pass by the Cibeles Fountain, and then arrive and visit Plaza Mayor, Piazza di Spagna, and Royal Palace of Madrid. The Royal Palace of Madrid was built by the Spanish Royal Family, showing the magnificent and splendid former empire and its historical grandeur. Then you’ll arrive at the Puerta del Sol, a public square in Madrid. You can find the Km 0 square tile on the pavement, which represents the Puerta del Sol, the centre of the radial network of Spanish roads. In the afternoon, we say farewell to Madrid and head to Zaragoza.

After arriving in Zaragoza, you'll visit the Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, which is a Roman Catholic Church in the city. The Basilica venerates the Blessed Virgin Mary, praised as "Mother of the Hispanic People". It is reputed to be the first church dedicated to Mary in history. There are a lot of coffee shops and restaurants around the Basilica.

 

In the morning, you will drive directly to the Spanish warm and charming coastal city of Barcelona. After arrival you will visit the Columbus Monument and Las Ramblas, followed by the Sagrada Família, which is a large Roman Catholic Church in Barcelona, designed by Spanish architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí's unique, colourful, fairy tale decorations can be seen throughout the city and makes the place feel like a fantasy of the artist's mind.

Then it's on to a photo stop at Camp Nou, a football stadium in Barcelona, which has been the home of FC Barcelona since its completion in 1957. You'll also visit Estadi OlímpicIluís Companys, the main stadium for the 1992 Summer Olympics located in Montjuïc, a large hill to the southwest of Barcelona, which overlooks the city. The remaining time is spent in the bustling Plaza Catalonia, where you can have free time and do some shopping.

Due to a limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, to avoid disappointment, we recommend customers who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance at www.sagradafamilia.org. Visit time for reservation: 2:00 - 2.30 pm.

 

In the morning we will travel to the Principality of Andorra. This microstate is located between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees. The state is surrounded by mountains and rough terrain. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, is Europe's highest capital with an elevation of 1,023 meters. Andorra is a popular destination for alpine skiing in Europe. Although most Asian travelers do not give Andorra much attention, it is certainly worth a visit with its beautiful sceneries. Also known for duty-free shopping it is a shopping paradise.

After lunch we will drive through the Pyrenees entering France arriving at the town of Lourdes. It its said that the Virgin Mary appeared at Lourdes some 150 years ago and since has become a place of pilgrimage with records of countless medical miracles. Each year over five million pilgrims visit the town.

* Please note：From October till the end of February due to winter weather we will not visit Andorra and reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne is a World Heritage Site city with its landmark Castle of Carcassonne. There are 3 km of double walls and 52 towers in the city.

Today we will travel from Lourdes to the famous wine region Bordeaux. While in Bordeaux we will visit a well-known winery and its vineyards. You will have an opportunity to taste and buy wine direct from the source.

After our stop at the winery, we will head to city Bordeaux, visiting famous landmarks such as the opera house Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the world's largest water mirror called Miroir d'Eau and the famous Place des Quinconces and so on. At the end of the day, you will have some free leisure time in the city center of Bordeaux.

* Please note：Most wineries in Bordeaux are closed to tourists in August or during festivals. Please understand that during this time we will not be able to visit the wineries however we will be able to taste and buy wine in the city center of Bordeaux.

  

Departing from Bordeaux we will be traveling to the world-famous tourist attraction the Loire Valley. The Loire is the longest river in France with a length of 1020 km and is known as the mother river of France. In the Loire Valley there are magnificent and gorgeous castles on both sides of the river. In the afternoon we will arrive at the Chambord Castle also known as the King of Castles. The castle was originally built to serve as a hunting lodge for King Francois I of France in 1519 to make a statement of his imperial power. The King hired Italian artists and architects such as Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Cortona to attribute the brilliant art and architectural style of the Italian Renaissance. By doing this he laid the foundation of the French Renaissance.

Afterwards will be heading to Paris and will arrive around 7:00 pm.