Paris to Madrid: Castles & Basque waves

Ready to discover the spectacular cities and landscapes of France and Spain? Arrive at your departure airport to catch a flight to Paris.* Night on board.*If either your outbound or inbound flights depart in the early hours (before 4:00 a.m.), you must arrive at the airport the night before the indicated departure day.

Land in Paris and make your own way* to the hotel.** As the city of love, home to picture-perfect cafés and chic street style, France’s capital is for exploring famous sights, local culture, and cuisine. Overnight stay in Paris.*Airport transfers in Paris are not included. You can add a transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.**Early check-in on arrival is available for an additional cost. To guarantee optional services, we recommend adding them to your current booking, as they are subject to availability.

Breakfast at the hotel. This morning, get to know the city more intimately with a guided tour of Paris by bus. Hop aboard the coach for a Parisian adventure showcasing the city’s essential landmarks and evolution over time. You'll encounter the Opéra Garnier, the Panthéon, the stylish Champs-Élysées, the grand Arc de Triomphe, the Eiffel Tower, and more.The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. We recommend joining an optional visit to the Louvre Museum and Seine cruise* or an optional tour of the Palace of Versailles.** Or simply live like a local and bring a baguette and some cheese to a picturesque Parisian park. Overnight in Paris. The afternoon is free for you to explore at your own pace. We recommend joining an optional visit to the Palace of Versailles* or enjoy a classic French experience with wine and cheese tasting**. Overnight in Paris. *Optional visit to the Palace of Versailles: Travel by air-conditioned coach for a self-guided visit of this UNESCO-listed palace. The enchanting experience takes you through the highlights of Versailles, with priority access and audio commentary. From the Hall of Mirrors and the King’s Apartments to the Queen’s Apartments and a leisurely walk in the gardens, it’s unforgettable. **Optional Wine and Cheese Tasting in Paris: For a bit of curiosity and fun, put your wine and cheese connoisseur skills to the test—or start honing them—during this 1.5-hour experience led by experts. Located in a lively district, relax in a charming wine bar as you discover the perfect pairings of local gourmet cheeses and wines suited to your palate. You’ll learn about grape varieties, winemaking techniques, and more. Please note: You can only choose one optional tour on this day.

Breakfast at the hotel. Set out on an exciting day of sightseeing in France, with your coach departing early for the Loire Valley. Visit the Château de Chambord, a 16th-century architectural masterpiece originally built as a hunting lodge for King Francis I.Afterward, enjoy free time for lunch before continuing to the city of Tours. Get to know this charming city and its historic center on a short walking tour. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. The evening is free to explore at your leisure. Overnight stay in Tours.Distance covered today: 176 miles (approx. 3hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Today you’ll travel to Bordeaux, a lively city on the Garonne River and in the heart of the famous Bordeaux wine region. Upon arrival, enjoy free time for lunch. Then, for a perfect introduction to the city, visit the Cité du Vin & Museum and sip a glass of wine at the Belvédère, the museum’s panoramic observation deck.Continue with a short walking tour of Bordeaux’s historic center, where you’ll stroll through cobblestone streets lined with classical stone buildings. Transfer to your hotel for check-in. Overnight stay in Bordeaux.Distance covered today: 220 miles (approx. 3.5hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Get ready to discover San Sebastian this morning, a unique coastal city in the Basque Country along the Bay of Biscay. Upon arrival, enjoy free time to explore highlights such as the shell-shaped La Concha Beach and the charming Old Town.Later, continue to San Juan de Gaztelugatxe, a striking islet linked to the mainland by a winding stone footbridge. Spend some free time taking in the dramatic views at this unforgettable site, featured in Game of Thrones as “Dragonstone.”Finally, head to Bilbao, an incredible city known for the world-famous Guggenheim and its blend of cosmopolitan modernity with deep-rooted Basque traditions. Check in at your hotel and enjoy the rest of the evening at your leisure. Sample some pintxos in this culinary hotspot or wander the medieval streets of the Casco Viejo (Old Town). Overnight stay in Bilbao.Distance covered today: 264 miles (approx. 4hrs)

Breakfast at the hotel. Spend the morning enjoying some free time in Bilbao before departing for Logroño, the capital of the La Rioja wine region. This legendary city is a paradise for wine lovers, with its abundance of wine bars and tapas culture. Free time for lunch before continuing your journey through La Rioja’s vineyards and across the wide plains of Castile and León en route to Madrid.Spain’s enigmatic capital welcomes you with elegant architecture, lively squares, and leafy parks. After hotel check-in, the evening is yours to explore. Madrid is famous for its brilliant food scene and lively nightlife, so be sure to go out in the evening to enjoy the incredible atmosphere. Overnight stay in Madrid.

Breakfast at the hotel. Start the day with a guided tour of Madrid, visiting iconic landmarks such as the Royal Palace, Plaza Mayor, Puerta del Sol, and Plaza de España. Explore the more contemporary areas of the city, such as Gran Vía, and see both the Cibeles Fountain and the Neptune Fountain. Finally, discover Madrid’s medieval origins in the Barrio de la Morería, famous for its historic monuments like the Muslim-era walls. You can choose to explore these sights from the coach or step off to take a closer look.The rest of the day is free to explore at your own pace. Madrid boasts numerous rooftop bars and restaurants, perfect for enjoying spectacular sunset views. We recommend joining our optional Madrid tapas and wine tour with rooftop drinks*, a gastronomic experience that lets you savor the city’s culinary delights. Overnight stay in Madrid.*Optional: Madrid tapas and wine tour with rooftop drinks: Discover Madrid’s signature cuisine, gourmet products, and food culture with a local guide across different districts of the city. This culinary adventure introduces the true art of Spanish ‘tapeo’ and ends on a rooftop terrace with panoramic city views and a glass of cava.

Breakfast at the hotel.* Unfortunately, it's time to end your trip through France and Spain. At the scheduled time, make your own way to the airport** to catch your return flight to Canada. Arrive in Canada and end your journey.****Depending on the time of your return flight and the hotel's breakfast service, you may not be able to enjoy the included breakfast on the last day.**The transfer to the airport in Madrid is not included. You will have the option to add a private transfer to your package for an additional cost in the next step of the booking process.***Depending on the time of your return flight, you may arrive home the following day, and the trip's duration would be 10 days.