Barcelona to Paris

Get a snapshot of some of the best bits of northern Spain and eastern France. Wander the streets of Barcelona and see the incredible architecture of Gaudi throughout the city before being transported back in time to the medieval walls of Girona. Learn the history of gladiators and bullfighters in the Roman amphitheatre of Nimes and watch the mammoth mountains and crystal coasts streak past on your way to Avignon. Join a mustard making workshop in Dijon and round it all out in the iconic City of Lights – Paris!

Itinerary

Day 1: Barcelona

Hola! Welcome to Spain. Your adventure begins in Barcelona with a welcome meeting at 6 pm tonight, followed by a vermouth aperitivo to whet your appetite for the adventure ahead. If you arrive early, there are plenty of galleries, cafes and historic corners to keep you busy. Maybe take the funicular to the top of Montjuic or Tibidabo for panoramic views of the harbour. After the meeting, maybe head out for some tapas with your fellow travellers and get to know each other.

Day 2: Barcelona / Girona

Say good morning to Barcelona before heading out with your group on a leader-led orientation walk through the city, stopping along the way to try a local favourite treat. Then, explore the city at your own pace. Why not visit Gaudi's La Sagrada Familia Basilica – possibly the most iconic landmark in Barcelona! Or head to Park Guell – the largest green space in the city, where you can stroll through the gardens if the weather's nice and explore more of the incredible architectural work by Gaudi. This afternoon, make your way to the train station, where you’ll travel to the city of Girona. Arriving in the early evening, your leader will take you on a walk through the city. Then, you have the chance to explore on your own. This jewel of Catalonia is known for its medieval architecture and sits alongside the Onyar River.

Day 3: Girona

Head off with your group this morning for a walk along the medieval walls of the city. Originally built by the Romans and then rebuilt and extended in the Middle Ages, these walls have stood watch over the city since the 14th century. From the walkway along the top, the city of Girona spreads out beneath you, giving you a birds-eye view over the streets and houses, the river and the iconic cathedral and bell tower of San Felix. This afternoon is yours to explore the city. Why not visit the Arabic Baths, stop at the Rocambolesc Gelateria to grab some of Spain’s finest gelato or take a walking tour, where you’ll be transported to the streets of Braavos and King’s Landing, which featured in the Game of Thrones. Tonight, maybe find a local restaurant for dinner.

Day 4: Nimes / Avignon

Leaving the city after breakfast, you’ll make your way to Nimes in southeast France. When you arrive, your leader will take you on a walk through the town, giving you the lay of the land. This afternoon is then free for you to explore at your own pace. Maybe chat to your leader about visiting the famous Amphitheatre of Nimes – one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in Europe, built around the year AD 100. This evening, take the train to Avignon. When you arrive, check into your hotel and walk around the walled city that was once home to French popes for more than a century.

Day 5: Avignon

This morning, set off on an orientation walk through the markets, where you’ll find fresh produce that’s locally grown in the fertile soil surrounding the city. After, maybe comb the impressive collection of art, visit the grand Palais des Papes (Pope's Palace) or cross the iconic bridge of Pont St-Benezet. If the weather is good, maybe hire a bike to see more of this picturesque valley and head to one of the city's amazing bakeries. There are also many small local bistros that serve up great regional cuisine – why not get some of your travel pals together for a French-inspired feast tonight!

Day 6: Dijon

Travel to Dijon – the capital city of the historical Burgundy region in eastern France. When you arrive, join a mustard making workshop, where a mustard master will guide you through the traditional process step by step, from grinding the seeds to mixing in wine, vinegar and salt. At the end, you’ll get to take home your very own jar of homemade Dijon mustard, infused with your custom blend of flavours. The rest of the day is then free for you to explore Dijon at your own pace. Maybe visit the Palace of the Dukes of Burgundy, see the Church of Notre-Dame or walk through the Musee des Beaux-Arts.

Day 7: Paris

This morning, take the train to the city of light and love – Paris, of course! Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and delicious food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and things to do. When you arrive, check into the hotel, then join your leader for an orientation walk through the famous city streets before exploring at your leisure – wandering around the Champs-Elysees, the student-filled Latin Quarter or bohemian Montmartre will give you a good feel for the city. Maybe visit the Louvre, climb the Eiffel Tower or walk through the Musee d'Orsay. Tonight, you might want to join your fellow travellers for dinner at a local restaurant.

Day 8: Paris

After breakfast, your adventure comes to an end. If you’d like to stay longer in Paris, just speak to your booking agent ahead of time.

Departure Dates