From croissants to pintxos and cathedrals to countryside, this 14-day journey through France and Spain is all about living the good life. Start in the timeless charm of Paris, then wind your way through historic towns and foodie hotspots before ending in culture-packed Bilbao. Along the way, dive into local flavours, sip regional wines, and walk a stretch of the iconic Camino de Santiago. With a local CEO leading the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, swap stories with new friends, and collect enough memories to last a lifetime.
Travel Style
Classic
Service Level
Standard
Physical Grading
2 - Light
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Farm-to-Table Lunch, Argilliers
Your Discover Moment: Barcelona
Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery, Logroño
Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience, Logroño. Paris-by-night orientation walk. CEO-led walking tour of Paris. Lyon walking tour. 48-hour Lyon metro card. Guided walking tour of Nîmes' Old City and Amphitheatre visit. Visit Pont Du Gard. Guided walking tour of Barcelona. 24-hour Barcelona metro ticket. Hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina. Entrance and visit to the royal palace of Olite. Visit Pamplona. Orientation walks in San Sebastian and Bilbao. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
What are the main highlights of this trip?
Stroll through Montmartre and admire the hilltop views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Stand beneath the towering Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, Gaze at the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct near Nîmes, Wander the winding alleys of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, Sample local wines and pintxos in the lively town of Logroño, Walk the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina
How large will the group be?
Max 16, avg 12
What meals are included in this trip?
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What are the modes of transportation on my trip?
Private vehicle, public transport, taxi, train, walking.
Is there an extra cost for travelling solo?
We believe solo travellers should not have to pay more to travel so our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement. Single travellers joining group trips are paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex for the duration of the trip. Some of our Independent trips are designed differently and solo travellers on these itineraries must pay the single trip price.
Where will we stay during the trip?
Hotels (13 nts).
Itinerary
Paris
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.
Paris
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.
Paris/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.
Lyon
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.
Lyon/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.
Nîmes/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.
Barcelona
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.
Barcelona
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.
Barcelona/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.
Logroño
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.
Logroño/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.
San 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.
San 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.
Bilbao
Depart at any time.
Is travel insurance required for my trip?
Travel insurance is compulsory in order to participate on any of our trips. When travelling on a group trip, you will not be permitted to join the group until evidence of travel insurance has been sighted by your leader, who will take note of your insurance details. When selecting a travel insurance policy we require that at a minimum you are covered for medical expenses including emergency evacuation and repatriation. A minimum coverage of USD200,000 is required. We strongly recommend that the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment and loss of luggage and personal effects. Some tours include adventure activities that require extra coverage (e.g. crampon use); please review your itinerary and make sure that you are covered for all included activities. If you have credit card insurance we require proof of purchase of the trip (a receipt of credit card statement) with a credit card in your name. Contact your bank for details of their participating insurer, the level of coverage and emergency contact telephone number.
Terms, conditions and restrictions apply; pricing, availability, and other details subject to change and/ or apply to US or Canadian residents. Please confirm details and booking information with your travel advisor.
