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
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: 230 Km
Scenery: Today we visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08.30 hrs- We visit the center of Nice, either by coach or with time to walk, through its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena as well as other points of interest.
10.00 hrs- Nice, departure. We travel among spectacular landscapes that characterize the region of Provence with its aromas of fields of olive trees, cork oaks and pines.
11.30 hrs. - Saint Maxime. Arrival at this delightful coastal town where you can stroll and get lost in its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture of art Deco, Provencal and modern styles. In its center, be sure to approach the "Square Tower" of the sixteenth century.
12.30 hrs (approx)- Saint Maxime. From the port, we will take a tourist boat that will allow us to contemplate the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint Tropez. The time of boarding may vary slightly depending on the times of the season.
13.00 hrs.- Saint Tropez, Arrival at one of tourism’s jewels, on the coast that has received countless famous people but nevertheless maintains its traditional charms. In this old fishing port we can contemplate some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. Time for a walk and lunch.
15.00 hrs- Saint Tropez, departure.
17.15 hrs- Marseille . Arrival in the second city of France after Paris, port city of Provence of great contrasts. Here you can stroll through its high part, nostalgic and decadent, the great
nineteenth-century avenues or the beaches. We recommend that you get to visit the vibrant "Vieux port" (old port).
Scenery: Today we visit the Côte d´Azur and the Mediterranean in France.
08.30 hrs- We visit the center of Nice, either by coach or with time to walk, through its famous Promenade des Anglais, Place Massena as well as other points of interest.
10.00 hrs- Nice, departure. We travel among spectacular landscapes that characterize the region of Provence with its aromas of fields of olive trees, cork oaks and pines.
11.30 hrs. - Saint Maxime. Arrival at this delightful coastal town where you can stroll and get lost in its narrow streets and enjoy its magnificent architecture of art Deco, Provencal and modern styles. In its center, be sure to approach the "Square Tower" of the sixteenth century.
12.30 hrs (approx)- Saint Maxime. From the port, we will take a tourist boat that will allow us to contemplate the magnificent views of the gulf until we reach the beautiful city of Saint Tropez. The time of boarding may vary slightly depending on the times of the season.
13.00 hrs.- Saint Tropez, Arrival at one of tourism’s jewels, on the coast that has received countless famous people but nevertheless maintains its traditional charms. In this old fishing port we can contemplate some of the most luxurious yachts in the world. Time for a walk and lunch.
15.00 hrs- Saint Tropez, departure.
17.15 hrs- Marseille . Arrival in the second city of France after Paris, port city of Provence of great contrasts. Here you can stroll through its high part, nostalgic and decadent, the great
nineteenth-century avenues or the beaches. We recommend that you get to visit the vibrant "Vieux port" (old port).
Total distance: 380km
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history, today we see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08.00 hrs. Marseille, departure.
09.15 hrs.- Arles . Stop to visit this World Heritage city that shows us its legacy of Roman and medieval times. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10.30 hrs- Arles Departure.
11.00 hrs- In Les Beaux , we get to know this small medieval village and we will include the entrance to Carrieres de Lumiere , an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in some of its old quarries.
12.15 hrs- Lumiere carriers, departure
13.00 hrs.- Avignon - A time to have lunch and walk in this small walled city of Provence on the
banks of the Rhône that was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome, until in 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palace of the Popes reveals its past.
15.30 hrs- Avignon. Departure to the interior of France.
18.15 hrs. Lyon , Arrival in the third city of France, with a remarkable historical past preserved that make it proud. We will be able to walk through the old quarter declared a World Heritage Site and we will include a funicular ride to climb to Notre Dame de Fourviere, an immense basilic from where we have a great view over the city.
Note: When due to closure or influx of public it is not possible to obtain tickets for the show of Carrieres de Lumière, as an alternative there will be a transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Scenery: Villages, landscapes, and history, today we see some of the most beautiful places in Provence.
08.00 hrs. Marseille, departure.
09.15 hrs.- Arles . Stop to visit this World Heritage city that shows us its legacy of Roman and medieval times. Its light captivated great painters, such as Van Gogh, who immortalized it in some of his canvases.
10.30 hrs- Arles Departure.
11.00 hrs- In Les Beaux , we get to know this small medieval village and we will include the entrance to Carrieres de Lumiere , an impressive show of art, image and sound underground, in some of its old quarries.
12.15 hrs- Lumiere carriers, departure
13.00 hrs.- Avignon - A time to have lunch and walk in this small walled city of Provence on the
banks of the Rhône that was the seat of the Catholic Popes, becoming the second Rome, until in 1791 when it was integrated into France. Its immense Palace of the Popes reveals its past.
15.30 hrs- Avignon. Departure to the interior of France.
18.15 hrs. Lyon , Arrival in the third city of France, with a remarkable historical past preserved that make it proud. We will be able to walk through the old quarter declared a World Heritage Site and we will include a funicular ride to climb to Notre Dame de Fourviere, an immense basilic from where we have a great view over the city.
Note: When due to closure or influx of public it is not possible to obtain tickets for the show of Carrieres de Lumière, as an alternative there will be a transfer to the Roman aqueduct of Pont du Gard.
Total Distance: 220 km
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08.30 hrs.- After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and go towards Burgundy .
10.00 hrs.- Tournus . Time for walking throughout the pleasant small town with picturesque alleys behind an immense stone gate and its large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11.00 hrs- Tournus, departure.
11.45 hrs- Beaune . Stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can
visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
14.30 hrs- Beaune, departure.
15.00 hrs- Savigny Castle – In the center of this wine region, we will visit the Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century, and where some extraordinary museums are located (such as motorcycle, race cars, airplanes and helicopters museums!).
16.30 hrs- Savigny Castle, departure.
17.30 hrs- Dijon , arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and atmosphere. This city that was the capital of a powerful duchy at the end of the Middle Ages, it preserves a great
architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings where the palace of the dukes stands out.
Scenery: Burgundy’s wine region with exceptional vineyards.
08.30 hrs.- After breakfast, we will leave Lyon and go towards Burgundy .
10.00 hrs.- Tournus . Time for walking throughout the pleasant small town with picturesque alleys behind an immense stone gate and its large abbey, one of the largest Romanesque monuments in France.
11.00 hrs- Tournus, departure.
11.45 hrs- Beaune . Stop to visit and have lunch in the wine capital of Burgundy. You can
visit the wine museum or the historic hospice.
14.30 hrs- Beaune, departure.
15.00 hrs- Savigny Castle – In the center of this wine region, we will visit the Savigny Castle, built in the fifteenth century, and where some extraordinary museums are located (such as motorcycle, race cars, airplanes and helicopters museums!).
16.30 hrs- Savigny Castle, departure.
17.30 hrs- Dijon , arrival in the capital of Burgundy, with lively streets and atmosphere. This city that was the capital of a powerful duchy at the end of the Middle Ages, it preserves a great
architectural heritage of medieval and Renaissance buildings where the palace of the dukes stands out.
Total Distance: 387km
Scenery: small villages in the Dordogne among relaxing landscapes of hills and vineyards.
08.30 hrs- Dijon, departure. We continue touring Burgundy.
10.00 hrs- Abbey of Fontenay. We include an entrance to visit this abbey, masterpiece of the Cistercian order, today a Unesco World Heritage Site.
11.00hrs- Fontenay, departure.
11.30 hrs. Semur in Auxois. Stop to get to know this charming medieval town of alleys, palaces and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive walls that will make you travel back in time.
12.30 hrs.- Semur in Auxois. We continue touring the interior of Burgundy.
13.30 hrs.- Vezelay . Time for lunch and 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.
16.00 hrs.- Vezelay. Departure. 19.00 hrs- Paris. Arrival.
Scenery: small villages in the Dordogne among relaxing landscapes of hills and vineyards.
08.30 hrs- Dijon, departure. We continue touring Burgundy.
10.00 hrs- Abbey of Fontenay. We include an entrance to visit this abbey, masterpiece of the Cistercian order, today a Unesco World Heritage Site.
11.00hrs- Fontenay, departure.
11.30 hrs. Semur in Auxois. Stop to get to know this charming medieval town of alleys, palaces and half-timbered houses surrounded by impressive walls that will make you travel back in time.
12.30 hrs.- Semur in Auxois. We continue touring the interior of Burgundy.
13.30 hrs.- Vezelay . Time for lunch and 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.
16.00 hrs.- Vezelay. Departure. 19.00 hrs- Paris. Arrival.
Total distance covered: 80 km
07:45 hrs. - Paris – departure.
08:30 hrs. - Versailles – Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (admission not included, long waits for tickets due to influx on some occasions). Immense Palace that belonged to the French kings; a good way to get acquainted with the culture and history of France.
11:30 hrs. - Versailles – departure - (the departure might be later in case of a long wait to enter the palace). Upon returning to Paris we head to Montmartre and taking a small cable car (included) we go up to this bohemian artists´ neighborhood to see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and take a walk through its square and alleys.
15:00 hrs. - With a local guide we will begin the city tour of Paris lasting 2 and a half hours. During the visit you will be able to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Madelaine, Place de la Concorde, Opera, Louvre Museum, Tower St. Jacques, town hall, Ile de la Cite with the Notre Dame cathedral, Latin quarter, Pantheon, Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens, Invalides, Military School, Champ de Mars-Eiffel Tower, banks of the Seine. We will make brief stops near the Invalides and the Champ de Mars. At the end of the city tour, we will return to the hotel, making a stop in the city center, so that people who still want to take advantage of their free time in Paris can get off the bus.
In the end of this very complete day, optionally, the guide will suggest you attend a cabaret or variety show in the evening, the Moulin Rouge or the Paradis Latin.
Note: due to the tourist complexity of Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
07:45 hrs. - Paris – departure.
08:30 hrs. - Versailles – Arrival to the Palace of Versailles (admission not included, long waits for tickets due to influx on some occasions). Immense Palace that belonged to the French kings; a good way to get acquainted with the culture and history of France.
11:30 hrs. - Versailles – departure - (the departure might be later in case of a long wait to enter the palace). Upon returning to Paris we head to Montmartre and taking a small cable car (included) we go up to this bohemian artists´ neighborhood to see the Basilica of the Sacred Heart and take a walk through its square and alleys.
15:00 hrs. - With a local guide we will begin the city tour of Paris lasting 2 and a half hours. During the visit you will be able to see the Arc de Triomphe, Champs Elysées, Madelaine, Place de la Concorde, Opera, Louvre Museum, Tower St. Jacques, town hall, Ile de la Cite with the Notre Dame cathedral, Latin quarter, Pantheon, Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens, Invalides, Military School, Champ de Mars-Eiffel Tower, banks of the Seine. We will make brief stops near the Invalides and the Champ de Mars. At the end of the city tour, we will return to the hotel, making a stop in the city center, so that people who still want to take advantage of their free time in Paris can get off the bus.
In the end of this very complete day, optionally, the guide will suggest you attend a cabaret or variety show in the evening, the Moulin Rouge or the Paradis Latin.
Note: due to the tourist complexity of Paris, the order of the services offered in the city may vary.
Total Distance: 240 km Scenery: green hills along the Loire Valley.
08.30 hrs.- Departure from the hotel. We go to the Eiffel Tower, we include the ticket to go up to the second floor of this impressive metal monument (in some cases there are long waits to gain access due to massive influx). The second floor is considered to be the one with the best view, due to the optimal altitude in relation to the buildings below (on the third floor, they are less visible) and the general perspective (obviously more limited on the first floor). When the weather permits, it is estimated that it is possible to see up to 70 km away. After descending the tower we include a boat trip along the Seine River. Magnificent views of the main monuments and bridges of Paris on the majestic river.
17.30 hrs- Departure from Paris and travel to the Loire Valley.
20.30 hrs- Tours - Arrival in the beautiful provincial capital of the Loire. We recommend going out for dinner and a stroll in the beautiful old town area.
Note: in some cases the waits to go up the Eiffel Tower are long. Thus the climb may take place at a different time (or on Sunday), if it is considered convenient for organizational reasons.
08.30 hrs.- Departure from the hotel. We go to the Eiffel Tower, we include the ticket to go up to the second floor of this impressive metal monument (in some cases there are long waits to gain access due to massive influx). The second floor is considered to be the one with the best view, due to the optimal altitude in relation to the buildings below (on the third floor, they are less visible) and the general perspective (obviously more limited on the first floor). When the weather permits, it is estimated that it is possible to see up to 70 km away. After descending the tower we include a boat trip along the Seine River. Magnificent views of the main monuments and bridges of Paris on the majestic river.
17.30 hrs- Departure from Paris and travel to the Loire Valley.
20.30 hrs- Tours - Arrival in the beautiful provincial capital of the Loire. We recommend going out for dinner and a stroll in the beautiful old town area.
Note: in some cases the waits to go up the Eiffel Tower are long. Thus the climb may take place at a different time (or on Sunday), if it is considered convenient for organizational reasons.
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 h. - City tour with our guide or the local guide of Barcelona, famous for Gaudí and its modernist architecture. We will see the Columbus monument, Plaza de Cataluña, Paseo de Gracia, Diagonal, Sagrada Familia, Montjuich with the Olympic facilities and Plaza de España. We finish at the Ramblas area. You can have a walk in the historic center - Gothic quarter. After the city tour our guide will offer you optionally the visit to the Gaudí´s masterpiece and emblem of the city, the Sagrada Familia. Free time in the afternoon.
18.30 hrs- In the evening we include a transfer to the Maremagnum , a modern leisure center and restaurants facing the sea, next to Plaza Colón, where you can stroll through this lively area and dine.
20.30 hrs- Return to 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