Maravillas de Francia (2025)

Day 1

We’ll start the day by traveling to the enchanting south of France, heading towards the picturesque Loire Valley. Our first stop will be Blois, a charming city known for its stunning castle. Next, we’ll go to Tours, the regional capital situated on the banks of the Loire River, where you can enjoy a leisurely stroll and a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll explore the splendid Château de Villandry, renowned for its gardens and flowers. Tickets to the gardens included. Our journey will then take us to Amboise, a captivating city with a fascinating medieval quarter along the Loire River. Dinner will be included.

Day 2

Embark on a day of discovery in the Loire Valley. Our day will begin with an early morning walk in Amboise to the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his last three years. Delving deeper into the Loire region, we´ll explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau (tickets included), built like a bridge over the River Cher. Next, we will visit Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley (visit to the park included). Continuing our journey into central France, our next stop will be Limoges, renowned for its porcelain. We suggest visiting its historic center, where the highlight is Saint Etienne Cathedral.

Day 3

We’ll leave Limoges for the Dordogne, home to one of the great historic rivers in central France. Few regions contain so many charming villages and enchanting landscapes. We’ll arrive at Lascaux, where we’ll visit the museum and the replica of the caves (tickets included) and learn about the site’s prehistoric times with its magnificent cave paintings. After that, we’ll visit Sarlat, a UNESCO World Heritage town with an incredibly well-preserved Renaissance historic center, where there will be time to stroll and have lunch. In Beynac, we’ll explore a medieval castle overlooking the river (admission included). We’ll end the day in Rocamadour, a beautiful medieval village with an important sanctuary "perched" on a cliff; we suggest walking down the Via Crucis and taking the lift back up. Dinner will be included.

Day 4

We´ll visit the impressive Padirac Chasm, where we´ll enjoy a boat ride on the river 75 meters underground. Afterwards, we´ll proceed to Collonges-la-Rouge, a picturesque village built with red stone on the Way of St. James. Following lunch, we´ll journey to Saint-Emilion, located in the heart of the Bordeaux wine-producing region, with time for a leisurely stroll. We’ll arrive in Bordeaux in the evening.Note: The Padirac Chasm may be closed from November until the end of March due to weather conditions.

Day 5

The entire center of Bordeaux has been recognized as a World Heritage Site. Prepare to be captivated by the "Water Mirror" and explore the historic old town with its charming pedestrian streets and 11th-century cathedral. We will include admission to the Cité du Vin (with audio tour in English, Spanish or French), an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine; wine tasting included at the viewpoint overlooking Bordeaux. Later, you´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch. Afterward, we continue towards the Pyrenees, arriving in Lourdes by mid-afternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

Day 6

We’ll travel through the south of France, stopping in Carcassonne, a city surrounded by some of the most beautiful walls in Europe. You´ll have time to walk and explore. After lunch, we’ll continue to Narbonne, where you’ll have free time to discover this historic Occitan city with its picturesque old town. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s second-largest city. We recommend a walk through its vibrant Vieux-Port (Old Port), bustling with life and dotted with charming small restaurants.

Day 7

Villages, landscapes, history – today we’ll see some of the most beautiful places in Provence. In Arles, a UNESCO World Heritage city, we’ll explore its Roman and medieval legacy and be reminded of Van Gogh. In Les Baux, we’ll visit 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. We’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in Avignon, home to the immense Palais des Papes. Our journey will continue to Lyon, where we’ll walk through the World Heritage Site old town and take the cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, a huge 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.

Day 8

We’ll set off from Lyon and head to the Burgundy region. Our first stop will be Tournus, a quaint little town with an imposing stone gate and a large abbey. After that, we’ll travel to Beaune, where we’ll have time for lunch and to explore the wine capital of Burgundy. We recommend visiting the wine museum or the historic hospice. Next, we’ll visit the Savigny Castle, situated in the heart of this winemaking region. Built in the 15th century, the castle houses extraordinary museums featuring motorbikes, racing cars, planes, and helicopters. Our journey will continue to Dijon, the capital of Burgundy, known for its lively streets and numerous medieval and Renaissance buildings, including the standout Palace of the Dukes.

Day 9

We’ll leave Dijon for Fontenay Abbey, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, where we’ll include admission to this Cistercian center. Afterward, we’ll stop in Semur-en-Auxois, a medieval city surrounded by impressive ancient walls. Still in Burgundy, we’ll have time for lunch and a stroll in Vézelay, one of France’s most beautiful villages, where its immense basilica was one of the starting points of the Way of St. James. In the afternoon, we’ll continue our route to Paris, arriving in the evening.

Day 10

After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.