Madrid, Basque Country, Paris and Italy (2025)

Jour 1

Jour 2

Free day. We’ll offer you an optional visit to the historic city of Toledo.

Jour 3

We leave for the lands of Castile. Beautiful landscapes crossing mountains. Arrival in SEGOVIA, and circumambulating the city, we arrive at the Viewpoint of the Pradera de San Marcos, from where we will have the best views of the Alcázar of Segovia (which inspired Walt Disney for the witch´s castle in Sleeping Beauty) and its walls. Later we will park next to the Roman aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century, although in use until 1973 and currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You will have free time to walk through the old part of the city and have lunch, heading to the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcázar.We continue our route along small roads that allow us to appreciate the towns and landscapes on the way to PEDRAZA, considered one of the most beautiful towns in Spain, a powerfully walled medieval town, cobblestone streets, historic buildings, Plaza Mayor and its fortress that dates back to the 13th century. In the afternoon we continue our route to the Basque Country. Arrival in BILBAO. Free time in the old town with its numerous taverns and bars, where you can taste the famous “pintxos”.

Jour 4

Today we will visit Portugalete, the Vizcaya Bridge (admission included), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and famous for being the world´s first ferry bridge for pedestrians and vehicles. We continue to get to know Bilbao and its estuary, where the Guggenheim Museum stands out with its striking exterior architecture, the old town, the old medieval center with its streets full of life, its cathedral. Free time for a walk and lunch. We recommend La Ribera Market for lunch, which offers stalls with typical Basque cuisine in a boat-like structure, located in front of the river.After lunch time we will leave for GUERNICA, known for being the place, where one of the worst massacres of the Spanish Civil War, remembered in the painting of Pablo Picasso, was fought. Here is the Tree of Gernika, under whose branches the Basque Country was granted autonomy in the Middle Ages. We continue towards HONDARRIBIA (Fuenterrabía) with its beaches, its walls, its maritime atmosphere and its historic center, where the grid layout of its narrow, cobbled streets may only surprise us. Time in the old town for a walk and have dinner. Continuation to SAN SEBASTIAN, arriving at the end of the day in the elegant capital of Guipúzcoa. Our hotel is usually located at the top of Mount Igueldo, from where you can see one of the most beautiful views of this elegant illuminated city.

Jour 5

In the morning, after admiring the views over the bay of San Sebastian from Mount Igueldo, we´ll head to the Miramar Palace and its beautiful gardens. Free time afterwards to enjoy the city´s large beach or stroll along its boulevards. We suggest having lunch in the "Old Town" famous for its pintxos bars. Early in the afternoon, we will go to France. BORDEAUX, arrival in the evening. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.

Jour 6

Tierras de vinos y coñac nos llevan a la Región del Loira. Conocemos CHAMBORD, probablemente el castillo más espectacular del Valle del Loira (entrada incluida al parque). PARÍS, llegada a media tarde.

Jour 7

Jour 8

Jour 9

Today, we’ll journey to the heart of France, passing through the Bourgogne region, renowned for its picturesque vineyards and world-class wines. Our first stop will be Beaune, a charming town in the center of Burgundy known for its flower-filled streets, hospice, and wine museum. After some free time for lunch and a walk, we’ll continue to Lyon, the former capital of Roman Gaul, located on the banks of the Rhône River. Lyon´s historic center is a UNESCO World Heritage site. We’ll take a cable car up to Notre-Dame de Fourvière, where we can enjoy a stunning view of the city. You’ll have some free time to explore at your leisure.Note: In some cases, part of the group will stay in Chambéry, a city near Lyon. In these instances, we’ll travel to Chambéry in the evening for an overnight stay. In the morning, you’ll have time to visit this medieval-style city, the capital de la Saboya, known for its beautiful historic center and impressive castle.

Jour 10

We have a wonderful day planned as we travel to Switzerland. In Geneva, our coach will pass by the Palace of Nations, the European headquarters of the United Nations, and the beautiful English Garden, where we’ll see the famous flower clock and the Jet d’Eau, the tallest fountain in Europe. After some free time to stroll around this Swiss city on the shores of its lake, we’ll continue our journey toward the Alps, home to the highest peaks in Europe. After, a long tunnel under Mont Blanc will take us into Italy. We’ll arrive in Milan in the afternoon, where our guide will lead us to the impressive Piazza del Duomo. You’ll have time to stroll through the historic center.

Jour 11

We’ll depart from Milan, traveling through the lush plains of the Po River. We’ll arrive in Venice around 1:00 p.m. and take a boat to the St. Mark´s area. In the afternoon, we’ll enjoy a panoramic tour of Venice. For a complete experience, consider an optional gondola ride. We’ll be staying in the Mestre area.

Jour 12

After crossing the picturesque landscapes of the Apennines, we’ll arrive in Florence. Our first stop will be Piazzale Michelangelo, which offers a breathtaking view of the city. You´ll have free time for lunch. In the afternoon, we´ll include a guided tour of the city center with a local guide, seeing iconic sites like the Ponte Vecchio, Duomo, and Piazza della Signoria. This city is truly an open-air museum. Enjoy some additional free time to explore at your leisure.

Jour 13

We’ll travel to Siena, where we’ll have the chance to see the stunning Piazza del Campo and its beautiful cathedral. Next, we’ll head to Assisi for an included visit to the Basilica with a local guide or a Franciscan monk. Free time for lunch. Arrival in Rome in the evening.

Jour 14

In the morning, we´ll begin with a panoramic tour that will introduce us to the “Eternal City.” This tour includes admission to the Imperial Forums, an impressive architectural complex of monumental buildings and squares that served as the center of political activity in ancient Rome. Afterward, we’ll go to St. Peter´s Basilica in the Vatican, where you´ll have free time. The afternoon will be at your leisure.

Jour 15

Free day. Today, we suggest an optional excursion to Naples, Capri, and Pompeii.

Jour 16

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