7D6N Southern Europe 4 Countries: Paris, Avignon, Barcelona, Lourdes & Bordeaux - Join Group Every Thursday

Our journey begins in the vibrant city of Paris, where we depart in the morning for the enchanting region of Provence. As we travel south, we are welcomed by the stunning landscapes of rural France. Provence is known for its scenic beauty, with its combination of lush vineyards, golden fields, and dramatic mountain views. By evening, we arrive in Avignon, a city that is rich in history and culture. Here, we will step into a world where time seems to stand still, with its quaint streets, medieval architecture, and picturesque surroundings. The next day, we will explore the captivating Gordes, a hilltop village that stands out for its charming limestone houses and breathtaking views of the Luberon Valley. Arles, the small town where Vincent van Gogh lived and painted in the late 19th century, is another highlight. We will walk in the artist's footsteps, seeing the iconic locations that inspired some of his most famous works, such as The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. Additionally, we will visit Andorra, a unique shopping destination known for its duty-free shops and striking mountainous terrain.

We begin our day in Avignon, where the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) stands as one of the most important Gothic monuments in Europe. It served as the residence of the papacy during the 14th century when the popes moved their seat of power from Rome to Avignon. The Pont Saint-Bénézet, the famous "broken bridge," is another historical site, immortalized in the famous French song Sur le Pont d’Avignon. After exploring these landmarks, we continue our journey to Gordes, a picturesque village known for its narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses, and striking location atop a hill. Its charm has inspired many artists and writers, including Peter Mayle in his novel A Year in Provence. From Gordes, we will visit the Abbaye de Sénanque, a 12th-century Cistercian monastery nestled in a valley surrounded by lavender fields. The abbey offers a peaceful atmosphere that transports visitors back in time. While lavender blooms in the summer months, we may still experience its serene beauty during our visit, depending on the season.

On this day, we head to Arles, where the spirit of Vincent van Gogh still lingers in the streets and landscapes. Arles is a UNESCO World Heritage site, known for its Roman ruins, including the Roman Amphitheatre and the Ancient Theatre, which date back to the 1st century. We will also visit the Van Gogh Foundation, which showcases some of his works and highlights his deep connection to the town. After immersing ourselves in Arles’ artistic heritage, we journey to the bustling coastal city of Barcelona, a city renowned for its dynamic culture and stunning architecture. Depending on the time of arrival, you will have the option to visit Olympic Beach, a lively area that was central to the 1992 Summer Olympics.

Today, we explore Barcelona, starting with a visit to the Montserrat Monastery, perched high in the Catalan Mountains. This sacred site is home to the Black Madonna statue, a symbol of the region's deep religious history. Visitors flock to Montserrat to see the statue and take in the stunning views of the surrounding cliffs. In the afternoon, we embark on a tour of the city's architectural wonders, including Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí’s masterpiece. The church's intricate facades and breathtaking interiors are a testament to Gaudí’s genius and vision. We will also stop by the Columbus Monument, marking the spot where Columbus returned to Spain after his voyage to the Americas, and take a stroll down La Rambla, Barcelona’s most famous street. Additionally, we will visit Camp Nou, home to the world-famous FC Barcelona, for photos and some souvenir shopping. Our day culminates with a trip to Montjuïc Hill, offering panoramic views of the city and the Olympic Stadium, a key venue in the 1992 Summer Olympics.

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Camp Nou, Barcelona (Entrance Fee) €28
Note: Camp Nou will undergo major renovations starting in June 2023, expected to last for approximately two years. During this time, access to certain areas may be restricted or unavailable. The entrance fee allows access to the museum and some of the most iconic parts of the stadium, which holds a special place in the hearts of football fans worldwide as the home of FC Barcelona.

Sagrada Família Church (Basic Entry, including Ticket & Audio Guide) €26
Visit the world-renowned Sagrada Família, one of Antoni Gaudí’s masterpieces, with a basic entry ticket that includes access to the church and an audio guide. The Sagrada Família is a breathtaking example of modernist architecture, with its intricate facades and awe-inspiring interiors. The entry ticket will allow you to explore the church at your own pace and learn about its history and design through the audio guide. The reservation visit time for this activity is from 15:00 – 15:30, and due to the limited daily access, we highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance at www.sagradafamilia.org to guarantee entry and avoid disappointment.

Monestir de Montserrat (Group Activity, Must Join) €35
This group activity takes you to the Montserrat Monastery, one of the most important religious shrines in Catalonia, situated on the dramatic Montserrat Mountain. This iconic site is home to the revered statue of the Black Madonna, or La Moreneta, believed to protect and inspire the local community. The monastery is a popular pilgrimage destination, and a visit here offers not only a spiritual experience but also breathtaking views of the surrounding mountain landscape. The activity is a must for those wishing to delve into the cultural and religious heritage of the region.

Our adventure continues as we head to the Principality of Andorra, a small, mountainous country nestled between France and Spain. Known for its breathtaking landscapes and alpine resorts, Andorra la Vella, the capital, is Europe’s highest capital city, sitting at an altitude of 1,023 meters. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and shoppers alike, offering a wide range of outdoor activities and duty-free shopping opportunities. After exploring Andorra, we will journey to Lourdes, a world-renowned pilgrimage site where the Virgin Mary is said to have appeared to Saint Bernadette in 1858. Every year, millions of visitors come to Lourdes to seek spiritual solace and experience the site’s healing waters.

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Andorra Canillo Lookout with Transfer (Restricted by Weather) €20
Located in the eastern Pyrenees, Andorra is known for its stunning landscapes and outdoor activities. On this day, you'll have the opportunity to visit Canillo Lookout, a viewpoint that offers spectacular panoramic views of the mountains and surrounding valleys. This optional activity includes a transfer to the location. However, it is important to note that the availability of the lookout visit is weather-dependent, and the excursion may be canceled if weather conditions do not permit safe travel or visibility.

From Lourdes, we travel to Bordeaux, the heart of France’s wine country. Bordeaux is famous not only for its exceptional wine but also for its stunning 18th-century architecture. We will visit one of the region’s prestigious wineries, where you can learn about the wine-making process and taste some of the finest Bordeaux wines. Afterward, we explore the city’s notable landmarks, including the Gran Teatro de Burdeos, the Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest reflecting pool, and Place des Quinconces, one of the largest public squares in France. You will also have some leisure time to shop or simply enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of this elegant city.

Our final day takes us to the Loire Valley, known for its magnificent châteaux. We visit Chambord Castle, a stunning example of Renaissance architecture, built by King François I as a hunting lodge. The castle features a distinctive French Renaissance style, incorporating elements designed by Leonardo da Vinci. After exploring this grand estate, we head back to Paris, where our tour concludes in the evening, bringing an end to our unforgettable journey through southern France, Spain, and Andorra.

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Château de Chambord (Under 18 years free) €16
The Château de Chambord is one of the most recognized castles in the Loire Valley, famous for its majestic French Renaissance architecture and its historical significance. Built during the reign of King François I in the early 16th century, the château was originally designed as a hunting lodge. It features a unique design with a large central keep, surrounded by a moat, and a distinctive roofline with a double-helix staircase attributed to Leonardo da Vinci. The entrance fee grants you access to the castle’s interiors, where you can learn about its royal history, architecture, and the life of the monarchs who once resided there.