Basque Country, Lourdes, Provence and Barcelona

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!We’ll set off for Castile, traveling through beautiful mountain landscapes. Our first stop will be Segovia, where we’ll take a scenic route around the city to reach Mirador de la Pradera de San Marcos, a viewpoint from which you’ll enjoy the best views of the Alcazar of Segovia, the castle that inspired Walt Disney’s Maleficent’s castle in Sleeping Beauty, along with its impressive walls. We’ll then park near the Roman Aqueduct of Segovia, built in the 1st century and used until 1973, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll have free time to explore the old town, have lunch, and visit the Plaza Mayor, where you can see the cathedral and the Alcazar. We’ll continue our journey on charming little roads that will allow us to appreciate the towns and landscapes on the way to Pedraza, often hailed as one of the most beautiful villages in Spain. This strongly fortified medieval town features cobblestone streets, historic buildings, a picturesque Plaza Mayor, and a fortress dating back to the 13th century. There will be free time for a walk. In the afternoon, we’ll make our way to the Basque Country, arriving in Bilbao. Here, you’ll have free time to explore the old town, where you can visit the numerous taverns and bars to sample the famous “pintxos. ”

After breakfast, we’ll take a guided tour of Bilbao, where the standout attraction is the Guggenheim Museum, famous for its striking exterior architecture, the old town, or the city’s medieval center, with its lively streets and cathedral. After, there will be free time for a stroll and lunch. We recommend the La Ribera Market, where you can sample traditional Basque cuisine in a boatlike structure overlooking the river. After lunch, we’ll depart for Guernica, a town known for being the site of one of the most tragic massacres of the Spanish Civil War, famously depicted in Pablo Picasso´s painting. Here, you’ll see the Tree of Gernika, beneath which the Basque Country was granted its autonomy during the Middle Ages. We’ll continue to Hondarribia (Fuenterrabía), a picturesque coastal town with beaches, ancient walls, a maritime atmosphere, and a historic center. The grid layout of its narrow, cobbled streets will charm you as you explore the old town and enjoy dinner. We’ll then head to San Sebastian, arriving by the end of the day. Our hotel is usually located atop Mount Igueldo, offering one of the most breathtaking views of this elegant, lit city.

In the morning, we’ll start by enjoying breathtaking views over San Sebastián Bay from Mount Igueldo, followed by a visit to the Miramar Palace and its lovely gardens. Afterward, you´ll have some free time to relax on the city’s large beach or take a leisurely stroll along its boulevards. We´ll include a traditional Basque cuisine pintxo experience, accompanied by a drink. Early in the afternoon, we’ll make our way to France, arriving in Bordeaux by evening. We recommend taking a walk through the city center.

The entire center of Bordeaux 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 11thcentury cathedral. Later, 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 midafternoon. You´ll have time to visit the sanctuary (we suggest attending the candlelit procession). Dinner will be included.

We’ll travel through the south of France, stopping in Carcassonne, a city surrounded by some of the most beautiful walls in Europe. You´ll have time to walk and explore. After lunch, we’ll continue to Narbonne, where you’ll have free time to discover this historic Occitan city with its picturesque old town. In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Marseille, France’s secondlargest city. We recommend a walk through its vibrant VieuxPort (Old Port), bustling with life and dotted with charming small restaurants.

Today, we’ll explore the enchanting region of Provence. Our first stop will be AixenProvence, the birthplace of the painter Paul Cézanne. You’ll have time to wander through its beautiful historic center, with its charming narrow streets, fountains, and picturesque squares. Next, we’ll visit Avignon, where you can take a leisurely walk and enjoy lunch in this walled city on the banks of the Rhône. Once the seat of the Catholic popes, Avignon was known as the "second Rome" until it became part of France in 1791. The immense Palace of the Popes stands as a reminder of its grand history. We’ll then visit the Pont du Gard, where admission is included to this aweinspiring Roman aqueduct, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and one of the most famous and bestpreserved Roman monuments in the world. Our journey will conclude as we head toward Catalonia, arriving in Barcelona in the evening.

In the morning, we´ll embark on a panoramic tour of Barcelona, renowned as one of the most fascinating European capitals. This vibrant city, nestled along the Mediterranean Sea, is famous for Gaudi’s modernist architecture, the bustling Ramblas, and its rich history, highlighted by the Universal Exposition and the Olympics hosted here. You´ll have free time in the afternoon. In the evening, we´ll provide a transfer to Maremagnum, a contemporary entertainment and dining complex by the sea, located near Plaza de Colón. Here, you can enjoy a leisurely stroll through the lively area and choose from a variety of dining options.

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 avantgarde 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 might be carried out by highspeed train.

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