Vacation Overview
Tour Details
France & Spain Encompassed
From croissants to pintxos and cathedrals to countryside, this 14-day journey through France and Spain is all about living the good life. Start in the timeless charm of Paris, then wind your way through historic towns and foodie hotspots before ending in culture-packed Bilbao. Along the way, dive into local flavours, sip regional wines, and walk a stretch of the iconic Camino de Santiago. With a local CEO leading the way, you’ll uncover hidden gems, swap stories with new friends, and collect enough memories to last a lifetime.
Highlights
Stroll through Montmartre and admire the hilltop views from the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, Stand beneath the towering Basilica of Notre-Dame de Fourvière in Lyon, Gaze at the Pont du Gard Roman aqueduct near Nîmes, Wander the winding alleys of Barcelona’s historic Gothic Quarter, Sample local wines and pintxos in the lively town of Logroño, Walk the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina
Accomodation
On this trip you can expect to stay in small family-run hotels or pensions (with the exception of the start and finish hotels, which are often larger city hotels), which will vary a little in standard and facilities: some may not have elevators, air-conditioning or English-speaking staff, but most importantly all are locally-run, with some traditional character, and in excellent central locations to give you maximum time for exploring the sights. You can expect to find clean, safe, simple accommodation in convenient locations.
Note that most accommodation in Europe does not have air conditioning units in rooms. Air conditioning is not routinely installed in European homes and workplaces. However, nearly all hotels will provide a standing or desk fan for your room on hot nights. If you do not already have one in your room, please ask your CEO to organize one for you with reception.
Group Leader
This G Adventures group trip is accompanied by one of our group leaders. The aim of the group leader is to take the hassle out of your travels and to help you have the best trip possible. They will provide information on the places you are travelling through, offer suggestions for things to do and see, recommend great local eating venues and introduce you to our local friends. While not being guides in the traditional sense you can expect them to have a broad general knowledge of the countries visited on the trip, including historical, cultural, religious and social aspects. We also use local guides where we think more specific knowledge will add to the enjoyment of the places we are visiting - we think it's the best of both worlds.
Group Size Notes
Max 16, avg 12
Meals Included
13 breakfasts, 1 lunch, 1 dinner
What's Included
Your Welcome Moment: Meet Your CEO and Group
Your Foodie Moment: Farm-to-Table Lunch, Argilliers
Your Discover Moment: Barcelona
Your Foodie Moment: Wine Tasting at a Local Winery, Logroño
Your Foodie Moment: Pintxos (Tapas) Experience, Logroño.
Paris-by-night orientation walk. CEO-led walking tour of Paris. Lyon walking tour. 48-hour Lyon metro card. Guided walking tour of Nîmes' Old City and Amphitheatre visit. Visit Pont Du Gard. Guided walking tour of Barcelona. 24-hour Barcelona metro ticket. Hike a portion of the Camino de Santiago from Obanos to Puente la Reina. Entrance and visit to the royal palace of Olite. Visit Pamplona. Orientation walks in San Sebastian and Bilbao. All transport between destinations and to/from included activities.
Daily Itinerary
G Adventures: France & Spain Encompassed
Day 1: Paris
Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.
Day 2: Paris
Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led orientation walk. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.
Day 3: Paris/Lyon
Enjoy a leisurely morning for any last sightseeing before boarding a local train bound for Lyon. Check into your hotel and then set off to explore some of the city's highlights with a local guide, culminating at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for great views over the city. The rest of the evening is free to choose from a breadth of amazing restaurants in the city for dinner.
Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.
Day 4: Lyon
Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.
Day 5: Lyon/Nîmes
Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.
Day 6: Nîmes/Barcelona
Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.
Day 7: Barcelona
Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.
Day 8: Barcelona
Enjoy a full free day in Barcelona. Perhaps spend more time admiring the famous works of Antoni Gaudi, wander through iconic neighbourhoods, or sample more of the delicious local treats at one of the many cafes.
Day 9: Barcelona/Logroño
Travel by train to the La Rioja wine region of Spain and the city of Logroño, visiting a local winery shortly after arriving for a tasting. In the evening, set off with your CEO on a tavern crawl to sample small plates of food, called pintxos, very delicious and typical to this part of Spain, which will serve as a light dinner.
Day 10: Logroño
Take advantage of a free day in Logroño to discover wine country as you please. Options include a day tour to the nearby town of Haro, visit wineries or see some of the sights in the city like the cathedral or the Museum of La Rioja.
Day 11: Logroño/San Sebastian
Travel through the Navarre region today from Logroño to San Sebastian with many stops on the way. First, stop in the town of Obanos for a hike along a portion of the famed Camino de Santiago trail. Continue by bus to the town of Olite to visit the grand palace then stop in Pamplona for a bit of free time to explore. End the day's travels on the coast at San Sebastian and check into the hotel.
Day 12: San Sebastian
Start the morning with an orientation walk of San Sebastian with your CEO before enjoying the rest of the day free to get the most out of the city's vibrant centre, waterfront and the incredible food. Some options to choose from could be a visit to a local cider house, take a bike, or a walking tour.
Day 13: San Sebastian/Bilbao
Catch a morning bus from San Sebastian to the city of Bilbao. Set off with your CEO on an orientation walk before enjoying the rest of the afternoon free to explore. Choose to visit the stunning Guggenheim Museum, or climb the Mallona Stairs to Parque Etxebarria for beautiful views over the city.
Day 14: Bilbao
Depart at any time.