Day 1: Madrid - Burgos - Vitoria - Bilbao
Departure from Madrid heading north into the heart of Castile, where the landscape opens into grain fields, rolling hills, and towns frozen in time. Our first stop will be in Burgos, a prominent Castilian city and the historic home of legendary medieval knights like El Cid Campeador. You´ll have free time to stroll through its charming streets and discover its magnificent Gothic cathedral. We then continue toward Vitoria-Gasteiz, the elegant Basque capital renowned for its high quality of life and harmonious urban design. Free time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we press on toward Bilbao. Before checking in to our hotel, we will stop at one of the most photogenic spots on the Basque coast: the Old Port of Algorta (Puerto Viejo), featuring narrow alleys lined with charming bars overlooking the sea. Overnight stay in Bilbao.
Day 2: Bilbao - Guernica - San Sebastián
After breakfast, we will do a guided tour of Bilbao, the largest city in the Basque Country and the region´s primary economic and cultural hub. It is home to the stunning Guggenheim Museum, famous for its breathtaking exterior architecture. You will have free time to stroll around or visit the museum if you wish. After lunch, we will head to Guernica, an iconic town marked by one of the most tragic events of the Spanish Civil War, immortalized in Pablo Picasso’s world-renowned painting. Here, you will find the Tree of Guernica, beneath whose branches the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages. We will continue to San Sebastian. Upon arrival, we´ll go up the hill to Monte Igueldo, from where we will enjoy one of the most spectacular views of the city. Afterward, we´ll head to the city center, and you can explore the elegant capital of Gipuzkoa, known for its beautiful beaches, grand boulevards, and lively Old Town. We’ll enjoy some pintxos and drinks (included), which are typical of Basque gastronomy.
Half board dinner includes: Gilda, txistorra skewer,
Txangurro tart, pork bun and torrija dessert
1 glass of wine, 1 beer or 1 soft drink per person
Gilda without antxoa, tomato casserole, ratatouille tartlet, scrambled eggs and mushrooms, torrija dessert
Day 3: San Sebastián - Bordeaux
In the morning, we go first to Hondarribia where you will enjoy free time in one of the most beautiful towns in the Basque Country, known for its lovely beach, walls, and charming historic center. Afterward, we´ll head to the Basque Cider Museum (admission and tasting included) to learn about the traditions and production of this popular drink. Free time in SAN SEBASTIAN for lunch. In the early afternoon, we cross into France. Arrival in BORDEAUX at the end of the day. We suggest taking a walk through the city center.
Day 4: Bordeaux - Lourdes
After breakfast, we will go to the city center of Bordeaux, a city that 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. You´ll have free time to stroll along the Garonne River banks, lined with quaint restaurants perfect for lunch, or if you wish, you can visit Cité du Vin, an impressive interactive museum that delves into the history and production of wine. 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.
Half board dinner includes: HTL ALBA:
Main course: Leek tart
Dessert: Grilled Chicken, Green Salad with Tomatoes, French Fries
Drinks: Coffee Eclair
Mediterranean HTL:
Starter: Cheese delight
Main course: Turkey escalope with mushroom cream and sautéed potatoes
Dessert: Éclair
Day 5: Lourdes - Carcassonne - Foix - Andorra
We´ll travel through the south of France, starting in Carcassonne, where we´ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch in this city famous for its medieval walls, impressive castle, and picturesque historic district (La Cité). Afterward, we´ll continue towards the Pyrenees mountain range, making a brief stop in Foix, a medieval town renowned for the Château de Foix. We’ll continue through the Pyrenees, with their snowy peaks visible year-round, and arrive in Andorra, a small country 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. We´ll continue to Andorra la Vella, Andorra’s capital, where 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.
Half board dinner includes: BUFFET
Day 6: Andorra - Montserrat - Barcelona
We’ll have free time in ANDORRA for shopping or a walk. After lunch, we’ll continue our journey to CATALONIA. The mountain countryside will lead us to the impressive abbey of Santa Maria de Montserrat, where we’ll take a rack train up the mountain (included) to enjoy its fantastic scenery. There you´ll have time to visit the Basílica (admission included), we’ll continue to BARCELONA, arriving in the late afternoon.
Day 7: Barcelona
In the morning, we include a panoramic tour of BARCELONA, considered one of Europe’s most fascinating capitals. Open to the Mediterranean Sea, the city is renowned for Gaudí and its modernist architecture, as well as for its lively Ramblas and the legacy of the World Expositions and Olympic Games held here. Barcelona is often regarded as one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in Europe. The tour ends at the Maremagnum, a modern leisure and dining complex by the sea next to Columbus Square, where you can stroll through this lively area. Afternoon at your leisure. Return to the hotel at the end of the day.
Day 8: Barcelona - Peniscola - Valencia - Madrid
We’ll travel south along the Mediterranean, making a special stop in Peniscola, a charming walled town by the sea surrounded by picturesque landscapes, where we’ll have time for a stroll. We’ll then continue to Valencia, a vibrant port city on the Levantine coast, arriving around lunchtime. Will you try the famous paella? At approximately 04:30 p.m., we’ll continue our journey to Madrid, but not before making a brief stop at the avant-garde City of Arts and Sciences of Valencia. We’ll arrive in Madrid between 08:30 and 09:00 p.m.Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid may be by high-speed train.
Day 9: Madrid
After breakfast, our journey will come to an end, leaving you with wonderful lasting memories.
