France, Andorra and Catalonia
Duration
12 Days
Physical rate
Moderate
Starting city
Costa Azul
Available
April 2024 / November 2024
Cities to visit: Costa Azul; Sainte Maxime; Saint-Tropez; Marseille, Provenza Alpes Costa Azul; Arles; Avignon; Lyon, Ródano Alpes; Tournus; Savigny Castles; Beaune, Burgundy; Dijon, Burgundy; Abbey Of Fontenay; Semur-En-Auxois; Vezelay; Paris; Tours; Bordeaux; Lourdes; Carcassonne; Foix; Andorra; Barcelona
Video Gallery
Detailed day by day description
Introduction
This tour is part of our flexible coach touring range, guaranteed with a minimum of 2 people. Once the tour is booked, it is guaranteed so it will definitely go ahead, and will never cancel.
This tour is guided in English only. Please note if English speaking attendance numbers are low, the tour can become bilingual either accompanied by two tour leaders, one for each language, or a single tour leader providing explanations in both languages.
The tour offers flexibility, allowing you to customize it to your preferences. By clicking 'Quote or Book,' you will have the choice to select your desired start and end dates and destinations within the tour's defined parameters. Given this flexibility, it's important to note that the same people, tour guides or drivers may not be on your entire journey.
Day
Welcome to Europamundo! We’ll transfer you to the hotel and you’ll have some free time. In the afternoon, you’ll find information about the start of your tour on the boards located at the hotel reception.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
IMPORTANT: Please note that hotel check-in time is typically at 14:00 p.m. If you need early room access, consider booking an additional night at the start of your trip.
If you have booked additional nights, your room will be prepared upon arrival, but your trip guide will generally only contact you when the scheduled activities begin. At reception, you’ll find a sign with contact details and assistance hours for our staff. Until the tour begins, your schedule is free, and the hotel staff can assist with any inquiries.
Optional activities: During your trip, your guide may offer optional activities. We recommend booking these activities well in advance through the Europamundo app or your "My Trip" link to ensure availability. Last-minute bookings may result in limited availability (e.g., tickets, coach seats).
Note: The timings in this itinerary are indicative. The guide may adjust schedules as needed to make sure you have the best experience.
Total distance covered: 230 km.
Scenery: Today we’ll visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08:30 a.m. - Nice. We will drive to the center of Nice, the capital of the Côte d´Azur, for a visit, either by coach or on foot, taking in its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and other points of interest.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Nice. We’ll travel through the spectacular landscapes of Provence, with its aromas of olive trees, cork oaks, and pines.
11:30 a.m. - Sainte-Maxime. Arrival at this charming coastal town where you can wander through its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture, which features a blend of Art Deco, Provence, and modern styles. Be sure to visit the 16th-century Square Tower in the center.
12:30 p.m. (approx.) – Departure from Sainte-Maxime. From the port, we’ll take a tourist boat to enjoy the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint-Tropez. The boarding time may vary slightly depending on the season.
01:00 p.m. - Saint-Tropez. Arrival at one of the gems of tourism, a coastal city that has hosted countless famous people yet still maintains its traditional charm. In its old fishing port, we’ll see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. There will be time for a walk and lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Saint-Tropez.
05:15 p.m. - Marseille. Arrival in the second-largest city in France after Paris, a port city in Provence known for its contrasts. Here, you can stroll through its nostalgic and timeworn uptown, along the grand nineteenth-century avenues, or by the beaches. We recommend visiting the vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port).
Scenery: Today we’ll visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08:30 a.m. - Nice. We will drive to the center of Nice, the capital of the Côte d´Azur, for a visit, either by coach or on foot, taking in its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena, and other points of interest.
10:00 a.m. – Departure from Nice. We’ll travel through the spectacular landscapes of Provence, with its aromas of olive trees, cork oaks, and pines.
11:30 a.m. - Sainte-Maxime. Arrival at this charming coastal town where you can wander through its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture, which features a blend of Art Deco, Provence, and modern styles. Be sure to visit the 16th-century Square Tower in the center.
12:30 p.m. (approx.) – Departure from Sainte-Maxime. From the port, we’ll take a tourist boat to enjoy the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint-Tropez. The boarding time may vary slightly depending on the season.
01:00 p.m. - Saint-Tropez. Arrival at one of the gems of tourism, a coastal city that has hosted countless famous people yet still maintains its traditional charm. In its old fishing port, we’ll see some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. There will be time for a walk and lunch.
03:00 p.m. – Departure from Saint-Tropez.
05:15 p.m. - Marseille. Arrival in the second-largest city in France after Paris, a port city in Provence known for its contrasts. Here, you can stroll through its nostalgic and timeworn uptown, along the grand nineteenth-century avenues, or by the beaches. We recommend visiting the vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port).
Total distance covered: 380 km.
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history—today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marseille.
09:15 a.m. - Arles. We´ll stop to visit this World Heritage city, showcasing its Roman and medieval legacy. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Arles.
11:00 a.m. - Les Baux. We’ll explore this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Carrières de Lumières.
01:00 p.m. - Avignon. Time for lunch and a walk in this small walled city in Provence on the banks of the Rhône. It was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome until 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palais des Papes reveals its past.
03:30 p.m. - Avignon. We’ll head towards the interior of France.
06:15 p.m. - Lyon. Arrival in the third-largest city in France, proud of its remarkable historical past. We’ll walk through the Lyon Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, and include a funicular ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an immense basilica offering a great view over the city.
Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history—today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08:00 a.m. – Departure from Marseille.
09:15 a.m. - Arles. We´ll stop to visit this World Heritage city, showcasing its Roman and medieval legacy. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10:30 a.m. – Departure from Arles.
11:00 a.m. - Les Baux. We’ll explore this small medieval village and include admission to Carrières de Lumières, an impressive underground show that combines art, image, and sound in its old quarries.
12:15 p.m. – Departure from Carrières de Lumières.
01:00 p.m. - Avignon. Time for lunch and a walk in this small walled city in Provence on the banks of the Rhône. It was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome until 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palais des Papes reveals its past.
03:30 p.m. - Avignon. We’ll head towards the interior of France.
06:15 p.m. - Lyon. Arrival in the third-largest city in France, proud of its remarkable historical past. We’ll walk through the Lyon Old Town, declared a World Heritage Site, and include a funicular ride to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, an immense basilica offering a great view over the city.
Note: If tickets for the Carrières de Lumières show are unavailable due to closure or high demand, we will instead transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Total distance covered: 220 km.
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and head towards Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Tournus. Time to stroll through this pleasant small town with picturesque alleys, an immense stone gate, and a large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Tournus.
11:45 a.m. - Beaune. We’ll stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
03:00 p.m. - Savigny Castle. In the heart of this wine region, we will visit Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century and home to extraordinary museums featuring motorcycles, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Savigny Castle.
05:30 p.m. - Dijon. Arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Once the capital of a powerful duchy in the late Middle Ages, Dijon preserves a rich architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings, with the Palace of the Dukes standing out as a highlight.
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08:30 a.m. - After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and head towards Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Tournus. Time to stroll through this pleasant small town with picturesque alleys, an immense stone gate, and a large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Tournus.
11:45 a.m. - Beaune. We’ll stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
02:30 p.m. – Departure from Beaune.
03:00 p.m. - Savigny Castle. In the heart of this wine region, we will visit Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century and home to extraordinary museums featuring motorcycles, race cars, airplanes, and helicopters.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Savigny Castle.
05:30 p.m. - Dijon. Arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and a vibrant atmosphere. Once the capital of a powerful duchy in the late Middle Ages, Dijon preserves a rich architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings, with the Palace of the Dukes standing out as a highlight.
Total distance covered: 387 km.
Scenery: Small villages in the Dordogne with relaxing hill and vineyard landscapes.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dijon. We’ll continue touring Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Fontenay Abbey. Admission is included to visit this abbey, a masterpiece of the Cistercian order and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Fontenay Abbey.
11:30 a.m. - Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll stop to explore this charming medieval town with narrow streets, palaces, and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive ancient walls that will transport you back in time.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll continue along the interior of Burgundy.
01:30 p.m. - Vézelay. Time for lunch and a stroll in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Vézelay.
07:00 p.m. - Paris.
Scenery: Small villages in the Dordogne with relaxing hill and vineyard landscapes.
08:30 a.m. – Departure from Dijon. We’ll continue touring Burgundy.
10:00 a.m. - Fontenay Abbey. Admission is included to visit this abbey, a masterpiece of the Cistercian order and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
11:00 a.m. – Departure from Fontenay Abbey.
11:30 a.m. - Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll stop to explore this charming medieval town with narrow streets, palaces, and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive ancient walls that will transport you back in time.
12:30 p.m. – Departure from Semur-en-Auxois. We’ll continue along the interior of Burgundy.
01:30 p.m. - Vézelay. Time for lunch and a stroll in one of the most beautiful villages in France. Its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James.
04:00 p.m. – Departure from Vézelay.
07:00 p.m. - Paris.
Total distance covered: 80 km.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
07:45 a.m. - Departure from Paris.
08:30 a.m. - Versailles. Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (tickets not included; please note that there may be long lines to enter due to the large number of visitors). This grand palace, once the residence of French kings, offers a fascinating glimpse into the culture and history of France.
11:30 a.m. - Departure from Versailles. Departure time may vary if there are delays entering the palace. Upon returning to Paris, we’ll head to Montmartre. We’ll take a cable car (included) up to this bohemian artists’ district, where we can admire the Sacré Coeur Basilica and wander through its picturesque square and winding alleys.
03:00 p.m. - We’ll start a two-and-a-half-hour panoramic tour of Paris with a local guide. This tour will take us to iconic landmarks like the Arc de Triomphe, Champs-Élysées, La Madeleine, Place de la Concorde, the Opera, the Louvre, the Tour Saint-Jacques, the City Hall, Île de la Cité with Notre-Dame, the Latin Quarter, the Pantheon, the Sorbonne, the Luxembourg Garden, Les Invalides, the École militaire, Champ de Mars, the Eiffel Tower and the banks of the Seine. We’ll have brief stops near Les Invalides and Champ de Mars. After the tour, we’ll return to the hotel, with an optional stop in the city center for those who want to enjoy more free time in Paris.
At the end of this enriching day, the guide will suggest an optional evening outing to a cabaret or variety show, such as the Moulin Rouge or Paradis Latin.
Note: Due to the high volume of tourism in Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
Total distance covered: 240 km.
Scenery: Rolling green hills of the Loire Valley.
08:30 a.m. - We’ll depart from the hotel and head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges.
05:30 p.m. - We’ll leave Paris and begin our journey to the Loire Valley.
08:30 p.m. - Arrival in Tours, the picturesque capital of the Loire region. We recommend taking the evening to enjoy dinner and a leisurely stroll through the charming old town.
Note: Due to potential long wait times, our visit to the Eiffel Tower may be rescheduled for another time or day (possibly Sunday) to best fit our schedule.
Scenery: Rolling green hills of the Loire Valley.
08:30 a.m. - We’ll depart from the hotel and head to the Eiffel Tower, where tickets to the second floor are included (please note that there may be long waits due to the high number of visitors). The second floor offers the best views, providing an optimal altitude for seeing the city below (which is less visible from the third floor) and offers a better overall perspective compared to the first floor. From this vantage point, you can see up to 70 km on a clear day. After descending the tower, we’ll enjoy a scenic boat trip along the Seine River, offering stunning views of Paris´ iconic monuments and bridges.
05:30 p.m. - We’ll leave Paris and begin our journey to the Loire Valley.
08:30 p.m. - Arrival in Tours, the picturesque capital of the Loire region. We recommend taking the evening to enjoy dinner and a leisurely stroll through the charming old town.
Note: Due to potential long wait times, our visit to the Eiffel Tower may be rescheduled for another time or day (possibly Sunday) to best fit our schedule.
Total distance covered: 615 km.
Scenery: Beautiful French countryside.
08:00 a.m. - Departure. We’ll continue our tour, heading to the south of France through vineyards.
12:00 p.m. - Bordeaux. Its town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore. We suggest visiting the Port of the Moon and the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Bordeaux, continuing south towards the Pyrenees.
06:00 p.m. - Lourdes. Arrival in the late afternoon. Our guide will introduce you to this beautiful mountain town, renowned worldwide as a Catholic pilgrimage site due to the Marian apparitions at its Sanctuary. We recommend attending the candlelight procession, which typically takes place at 9:00 p.m. (until the end of October) and visiting the various places of worship. Dinner in the hotel is included for all travelers.
Scenery: Beautiful French countryside.
08:00 a.m. - Departure. We’ll continue our tour, heading to the south of France through vineyards.
12:00 p.m. - Bordeaux. Its town center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have time for lunch and to explore. We suggest visiting the Port of the Moon and the Cathedral of St. Andrew.
02:30 p.m. - Departure from Bordeaux, continuing south towards the Pyrenees.
06:00 p.m. - Lourdes. Arrival in the late afternoon. Our guide will introduce you to this beautiful mountain town, renowned worldwide as a Catholic pilgrimage site due to the Marian apparitions at its Sanctuary. We recommend attending the candlelight procession, which typically takes place at 9:00 p.m. (until the end of October) and visiting the various places of worship. Dinner in the hotel is included for all travelers.
Total distance covered: 447 km.
Scenery: Pyrenees mountain range and snow-covered high peaks.
8:30 a.m. – Departure from Lourdes. We’ll travel to the south of France, passing through the Toulouse Métropole.
11:30 a.m. – Carcassonne. We’ll have time for lunch and a walk in this beautiful town, famous for its medieval walls, impressive castle, and picturesque historic district (La Cité).
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Carcassonne. We´ll continue towards the Pyrenees.
03:30 p.m. – Foix. Brief stop to stroll through this medieval town renowned for the Château de Foix.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Foix. We’ll continue through the Pyrenees, with their snowy peaks visible year-round, and arrive in Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, where the official language is Catalan. On our route, we´ll make a short stop at Sant Joan de Caselles, a small Romanesque church from the 12th century.
07:00 p.m. Andorra la Vella. Arrival in the capital of Andorra. You´ll have free time to explore the city with its bustling commercial life or visit Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner will be included.
Scenery: Pyrenees mountain range and snow-covered high peaks.
8:30 a.m. – Departure from Lourdes. We’ll travel to the south of France, passing through the Toulouse Métropole.
11:30 a.m. – Carcassonne. We’ll have time for lunch and a walk in this beautiful town, famous for its medieval walls, impressive castle, and picturesque historic district (La Cité).
02:00 p.m. – Departure from Carcassonne. We´ll continue towards the Pyrenees.
03:30 p.m. – Foix. Brief stop to stroll through this medieval town renowned for the Château de Foix.
04:30 p.m. – Departure from Foix. We’ll continue through the Pyrenees, with their snowy peaks visible year-round, and arrive in Andorra, a small country in the Pyrenees between Spain and France, where the official language is Catalan. On our route, we´ll make a short stop at Sant Joan de Caselles, a small Romanesque church from the 12th century.
07:00 p.m. Andorra la Vella. Arrival in the capital of Andorra. You´ll have free time to explore the city with its bustling commercial life or visit Caldea, the largest thermal spa in Europe. Dinner will be included.
Total distance covered: 225 km.
Scenery: Picturesque mountain landscapes with stunning views around the abbey of Montserrat.
Important: Have your passport ready, as there may be occasional border checks.
We’ll spend the morning in Andorra, where you can explore this modern city nestled in the mountains or shop in its large, low-tax shopping centers. Lunch will be at your leisure.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Andorra. We’ll cross into Catalonia and make our way to the beautiful area where the Benedictine Abbey is located.
04:15 p.m. - Arrival at the foot of Montserrat Mountain. We’ll take a rack train (tickets included) to the abbey, enjoying breathtaking views on the way up.
04:45 p.m. - Arrival at the abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. You’ll have time to admire the views and visit Santa Maria de Montserrat, the abbey of the patron saint of Catalonia.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Montserrat by bus.
07:30 p.m. - Arrival in Barcelona.
Scenery: Picturesque mountain landscapes with stunning views around the abbey of Montserrat.
Important: Have your passport ready, as there may be occasional border checks.
We’ll spend the morning in Andorra, where you can explore this modern city nestled in the mountains or shop in its large, low-tax shopping centers. Lunch will be at your leisure.
02:00 p.m. - Departure from Andorra. We’ll cross into Catalonia and make our way to the beautiful area where the Benedictine Abbey is located.
04:15 p.m. - Arrival at the foot of Montserrat Mountain. We’ll take a rack train (tickets included) to the abbey, enjoying breathtaking views on the way up.
04:45 p.m. - Arrival at the abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat. You’ll have time to admire the views and visit Santa Maria de Montserrat, the abbey of the patron saint of Catalonia.
06:30 p.m. - Departure from Montserrat by bus.
07:30 p.m. - Arrival in Barcelona.
09:00 a.m. – We’ll begin with a panoramic city tour led by our guide or a local expert in Barcelona, also known as the "City of Counts." This great European city is renowned for Gaudí’s influence and its stunning modernist architecture. We’ll see the Columbus Monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuïc with its Olympic facilities, and Plaza de España. We’ll make a stop in Sagrada Familia to admire the exterior of the monument. The tour will end in La Rambla, where you can stroll through the historic Gothic Quarter. After the city tour, our guide will offer an optional visit to Gaudí´s masterpiece and symbol of the city: Sagrada Familia. The afternoon will be free for you to explore at your leisure.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining center by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. You can explore this lively area and enjoy dinner.
08:30 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
06:30 p.m. - In the evening, we’ll include a transfer to Maremagnum, a modern entertainment and dining center by the sea, near Plaza de Colón. You can explore this lively area and enjoy dinner.
08:30 p.m. - Return to the hotel.
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
Note: Please be aware that the hotel check-out time is usually 10:00 a.m. You can leave your luggage in reception upon check-out, allowing you to explore the city without carrying your bags. You can retrieve your luggage at your convenience later in the day. If you require additional time to use your room, we recommend booking an extra night at the end of your tour.
From
AUD 2,702