French Chateaux, Madrid & Barcelona

After Breakfast at the hotel, explore the magnificent Castle of Chenonceau*. The two-story gallery stands upon a graceful arched bridge that crosses the Cher River which gives the impression that the castle is floating on water. Also known as "The Ladies’ Castle", it was initially constructed in 1513. Equalling the beauty of the interior, the Château's Renaissance French Gardens are perfectly landscaped with decorative pools and flower beds and are an important destination for garden lovers from all over the world. In the afternoon, visit the Royal Château of Amboise, an emblematic monument of the Loire Valley. The palace was built above the river, with landscaped gardens stretching from the earth to the sky, offering one of the most remarkable panoramas of the Loire. Overnight stay in Tours.

* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot. 

Breakfast at the hotel. Depart from Tours heading towards the world-renowned Mont Saint Michel, a Unesco World Heritage site. The car park stands approximately 1.5 miles away from the island. On leaving the coach, head for the Place des Navettes, where shuttle buses called Passeurs transfer to the mount itself. The Mount was consecrated to St-Michel from the year 708. The Benedictine Abbey* presents a grand panorama of medieval architecture from the XI-XVI centuries. Spend some time exploring the village built on the slopes in the shadow of the fortifications. Overnight in the surrounding area.

* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot. 

After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of WW-II’s major sights. Visit, learn about and pay homage to Pointe du Hoc, Omaha Beach and Colleville-Sur-Mer Cemetery, of the Allied Forces. Also a visit to the Memorial de Caen*, a museum and war memorial commemorating World War II and the Battle for Caen, is included. Overall the museum is dedicated to the history of the twentieth century, mainly focusing on the fragility of peace. Overnight stay in Caen.

* Only entrance included with the possibility to book an audio-guide on the spot.

After breakfast, learn more about the best food and drink that this rich region of France has to offer, starting with a visit to the Village du Fromager. See all stages of cheese production and enjoy tasting the different types of cheese on offer. After the visit, head to Honfleur in time for a lunch break. This small city and harbour dates back to the Vikings invasion in the 11th century. After a couple of hours exploring the city, continue eastwards until reaching Paris. Overnight stay in Paris.

Breakfast at the hotel.* It's time to continue your European tour, as you head for Spain! At the indicated time, transfer to the airport for your flight to Madrid. Touch down in Madrid, the enigmatic capital city of Spain, known for its fast-paced atmosphere, classical architecture and beautiful plazas and parks. Transfer to the hotel and spend the rest of the day exploring at your own pace. Madrid is well-known for its brilliant gastronomic scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to get out after dark to experience the amazing atmosphere of the capital. Overnight stay in Madrid.

* Depending on the flight schedule and the hotel breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Make your own way to the nearest pick-up point and discover Madrid aboard a double-decker tour bus. Hop-on and hop-off the bus as many times as you wish and enjoy the city at your own pace. There are two different routes available. Route 1 (blue) will take you to discover the Historical Madrid and includes a complete historical, artistic and monumental tour. Discover the beautiful Paseo del Prado or admire magnificent buildings, legacy of the Habsburgs period. The second route (green) goes through Modern Madrid. Discover the city beyond historical landmarks and royal monuments. The itinerary will take you by the impressive KIO towers, Museum of Public Art and Real Madrid stadium.

The rest of the day is free to enjoy the world-class cuisine, excellent shopping and limitless cultural treasures of Madrid at your leisure. We recommend a half-day excursion to the city of Toledo.* Overnight stay in Madrid.

* Optional Afternoon Excursion to Toledo: Set off this afternoon for the historic city of Toledo, known as the 'City of Three Cultures' for its fusion of Jewish, Muslim and Christian histories. Discover this once powerful Imperial City and its eclectic mix of architectural styles.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy a day to discover Madrid at your leisure. Why not soak up a little culture at the incredible Prado Museum or go shopping along the Gran Via? For an afternoon stroll, we recommend El Retiro Park, home to a beautiful boating lake, stone fountains and the elegant Crystal Palace. Alternatively, why not enjoy an excursion to Ávila and Segovia*? As night falls, be sure to get out and enjoy Madrid's vibrant nightlife! The city is known for its many rooftop bars where you can enjoy sunset drinks alongside excellent views of the city! Overnight stay in Madrid.

* Optional Excursion to Ávila & Segovia: Set off for the charming city of Ávila, one of the best-preserved medieval fortified cities in Spain. Enjoy a walking tour through the old town to discover its Gothic palaces, fortified cathedral and Romanesque-style churches. Visit the incredible Walls of Ávila and enjoy free time to explore this UNESCO World Heritage Site at your own pace. Next, set off for Segovia, where you'll stop for a gastronomic lunch before continuing the day with a guided tour of the exterior of Segovia Cathedral and an atmospheric walk through the old Jewish Quarter. Finally, enjoy a guided visit to the magnificent Alcazar of Segovia, a castle said to have inspired Walt Disney and one of the most enchanting medieval fortifications in Europe!

Breakfast at the hotel. Leave the capital behind as you transfer to the train station to catch a high-speed train to Barcelona. Arrive in the Catalonian capital and transfer to your hotel. A vibrant city, known for its artistic heritage and the amazing architecture of Gaudi, spend the remainder of the day at your leisure, exploring the historic streets of the Barrio Gothic or strolling along the seafront in the old fishing neighborhood of Barceloneta. Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Breakfast at the hotel. Discover the city today on a combined walking and bus tour of Barcelona. Find your own way to the meeting point at Barcelona's Estació del Nord to meet your guide and set off on a walking tour of the historic neighborhoods of Born and the Gothic Quarter. Stroll along some of the most emblematic streets in the city before reaching the incredible Barcelona Cathedral, famed for its magnificent Gothic architecture. Entrance to the cathedral is included and enjoy time to explore the interior on your own before continuing the walking tour to uncover the secrets of one of the oldest parts of the city. Next, board an air-conditioned coach for a panoramic tour of Barcelona's most important sights. See the beautiful Mediterranean Coastline and Port Olympic, pass by the old fisherman's quarter of Barceloneta and head inland to the leafy neighborhood of Montjuïc. Famous as the stage for the 1992 Olympic Games, learn how this event transformed the city. Take the Montjuïc cable car for amazing views across the entire city and visit MNAC Viewpoint for captivating panoramas of Barcelona. On the way back to the meeting point, drive along spectacular Passeig de Gracia to see some of the most emblematic architecture of Gaudi, such as Casa Batlló and La Pedrera. End the tour and enjoy the remainder of the day at your leisure, making the most of the city's incredible beaches or indulging in Barcelona's many tapas bars. Overnight stay in Barcelona.

Please note: the Montjuïc cable car is under maintenance between January and early March. If you visit during this time, this cable car ride will be replaced by a ride on the Port Cable Car instead. 

Important information: In case that the Barcelona city tour is not available because of external causes such as a religious or an official event, a national holiday or demonstrations, a 1-day-pass of the hop-on-hop-off bus will be offered.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy today in Barcelona to explore at your leisure! Why not get to know the vibrant neighborhood of El Raval or pay a visit to Park Guell in Gracia, the fantastical creation of architect Antoni Gaudi? For an afternoon stroll be sure to visit Parque de la Ciudadela, one of the most popular green spaces in the city. On the other hand, don't miss the chance to visit the world-famous La Sagrada Familia, perhaps the most famous of all of Gaudi's architectural masterpieces! Overnight stay in Barcelona.

* Optional Fast Track Sagrada Familia & Gaudi's Artistic Works: Visit two of the most important landmarks in Barcelona, the Sagrada Familia and Park Güell. Admire Gaudí’s mastery and learn about the symbolism of his incredible works. Discover some of the most emblematic modernist monuments in the city and walk by two of the most important Gaudí works: La Pedrera and Casa Batlló.

Breakfast at the hotel. Enjoy your final day in this magical, vibrant city and soak up the charms of Barcelona. Whether you're heading to the beach or uncovering the treasures held in the city's museums and art galleries, you're sure to fall in love with this lively regional capital. Overnight stay in Barcelona.