Compare Provence Biking Private by Butterfield & Robinson vs Highlights of France and Barcelona (Barcelona) by Trafalgar
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| Trip |
5 | Excellent
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4.5 | Great
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| Duration | 6 days | 10 days |
| Price From | $ 6,495 | $ 2,867 |
| Price Per Day | $ 1,083 | $ 287 |
| Highlights |
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| Trip Style | Private guided tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
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| Countries Visited | ||
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N/A |
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | No |
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| Meals Included | N/A |
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| Description |
In some ways, Provence requires no introduction. We all have ready images of its bucolic landscapes, painted purple with lavender and of gnarled olive trees, majestic cypresses, plus all that magical light made famous by Van Gogh. Author Peter Mayle introduced us to the enduring charm of the locals, while the Tour de France has etched Mont Ventoux in our brains. Still, such images only scratch the surface in terms of the region’s beauty, history, culture and cuisine, with some picturesque pedaling along the way. |
One of our most popular France and Spain trips, this jam-packed journey from Paris to Barcelona is a feast for every sense, from lunch with locals and elegant châteaux in the Loire Valley, to the buzz of Avignon’s Place de l’Horloge and the irresistible French Riviera. |
Day 1
You'll start your adventure in Tavel, one of the Côte de Rhone villages that has a well deserved reputation for its rosé wine. The rolling hills will provide the perfect warm-up before you stop for lunch (and of course a glass of rosé!) followed by a trip to a pottery museum.
Day 2
A full day of riding lies ahead! Starting off at the Pont du Gard, you'll marvel at the 4th century aqueduct. Riding by the Rhône River and its fruit-filled valleys, we'll venture through towns peppered with medieval history. Lunch will be in a typical Provençal mas (farmhouse) before you venture on to St-Rémy.
Day 3
Today you'll explore Les Alpilles, the small range of mountains protected as a National Park, and marvel at the gothic fairytale village of Les Baux. This afternoon, meet local guide Mathilde, who sheds “Provençal light” on the life and work of Vincent van Gogh.
Day 4
Start the day riding by small canals and fruit orchards before crossing the Durance River into the “Chartreuse de Bonpas”, a 12th century convent. Marvel at the imposing ruins of the castle of the Bishop of Cavaillon and the source of the Sorgue River before passing cherry orchards on route to Ménerbes.
Day 5
Officially one of the most beautiful villages of France, today you'll have a rewarding ride to Gordes and the legendary village of Roussillon. After a downhill ride back to Ménerbes, enjoy a gourmet final night dinner by Chef Laurent Houdart.
Day 6
As all good journeys must come to an end, we will organize transportation for your onward journey plans. Bonne route!
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Glittering Paris is your launchpad for an epic adventure through the highlights of France and magnificent Barcelona. Spend your first day in the 'City of Light' exploring the art, architecture and culture of this romantic city on your own. Visit a renowned gallery, shop up a storm or relax in manicured gardens watching the world go by. Later, join your fellow travelers and Travel Director for a Welcome Dinner and orientation drive past some of the city's most impressive sights, including the grand Champs-Élysées and Arc de Triomphe.
Pullman La Défense
Dinner
Day 2: Explore the Sights of Paris
Spend the morning in the company of a Local Specialist on a journey through the historic neighborhoods of Paris, to see where the locals live and shop. View the remarkable church of Saint-Sulpice, then enjoy the rest of the day at leisure. Walk along the Seine and admire the talents of street artists and performers, amble through the scenic hilltop village of Montmartre or relax with a café au lait watching the world go by. This evening, consider soaking up the pageantry of Paris with an Optional Experience to a popular Parisian cabaret.
Pullman La Défense
Breakfast
Day 3: Chartres and Châteaux in the Loire Valley Connect with Locals
Visit Chartres, an important place of pilgrimage on the 'Way of Saint James', and see its inspiring French Gothic cathedral, renowned for its stained glass windows and two contrasting spires. We journey through the rolling landscape of the Loire Valley, past beautiful villages and castles. View the impressive Château de Chambord, a marvel of French Renaissance architecture, then visit Château de Chenonceau. Later, Connect With Locals, joining your travel companions and the de Montferrier family on their farm for a traditional three-course Tourangelle Be My Guest dinner experience with local wines.
Mercure Tours Nord
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 4: Onwards to Lyon
Traveling through the heart of France, we arrive in the gastronomic capital of Lyon where we'll join a Local Specialist for a tour of the old city, revealing its rich cultural heritage. Wander through the traboules and marvel at the magnificent skyline from Fourvière hill, followed by free time to explore this city between two rivers.
Crowne Plaza Lyon Cite Internationale
Breakfast
Day 5: Journey to Papal Avignon and on to the French Riviera Dive Into Culture
From Lyon, we drive to Avignon, a Papal Seat in the 14th century. See the Popes' Palace, one of the largest and most important medieval Gothic buildings in Europe, and the remnants of the famous bridge immortalized in the French song – Sur le Pont d'Avignon. Later we continue to the French Riviera, arriving in the seaside retreat of southern France, favored by aristocrats for centuries. With an evening at leisure, perhaps stroll around the Bay of Angels and join the Promenade des Anglais. Or sit and enjoy a glass of wine while the sun sets and listen to the blue Mediterranean waters lap against the shore.
Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Breakfast
Day 6: Enjoy Monaco and the Cote d'Azur
A fun-filled day includes a visit to the tiny Principality of Monaco where you’ll view the cathedral where Prince Rainier and Princess Grace were married. See the superyachts in the port and catch a glimpse of the famed grand prix circuit. Enjoy relaxing on the sun-kissed shores of the Côte d'Azur, retreat to the beach with your fellow sun-worshippers, or perhaps embark on an Optional Experience to the medieval hill-top village of Saint-Paul-de-Vence.
Novotel Aéroport Cap 3000
Breakfast
Day 7: Off to Colorful Arles and Carcassonne
We travel west to the Camargue center of Arles, with its honey-colored façades and Roman ruins, enjoying some time at leisure to explore this beautiful city, or perhaps choosing an Optional Experience to gain a deeper understanding of Vincent van Gogh and local history with our resident expert. Later we continue through the landscapes of Provence, immortalized in the works of Cézanne and Van Gogh, to the fortified city of Carcassonne. A guided exploration of this exquisite, ancient town will reveal the Cité, its double ring of ramparts and 52 towers.
Tribe Carcassonne
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 8: Pass the Pyrenees to Barcelona Dive Into Culture
Driving past the foothills of the Pyrenees, we stop in Figueres to visit the Dalí Theater and Museum where we will Dive Into Culture and gain insights into the fascinating world of Salvador Dalí. See his work in this impressive building, before arriving in Barcelona this afternoon for an included sightseeing tour. We’ll see the Columbus Monument and Antoni Gaudí's unfinished La Sagrada Família, with a Local Specialist. The evening is yours to explore this Mediterranean gem. Consider an Optional Experience to enjoy traditional Spanish cuisine and entertainment, or enjoy a delicious tapas feast on your own at one of the city's fine restaurants.
Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Breakfast
Day 9: Discover Lively Barcelona
Spend the day soaking up the vibrant spirit of Barcelona. Perhaps pay a morning visit to mystical Montserrat to visit its Benedictine monastery and see the mysterious Black Madonna, the patron saint of Catalonia. Ramble up Las Ramblas and people-watch in the Plaça de Catalunya, explore the whimsical architecture of Gaudí dotted across the city or consider an Optional Experience to discover the fascinating Gothic Quarter. This evening, join your Travel Director and travel companions for a memorable Farewell Dinner with wine at a vibrant Spanish restaurant.
Barcelona Condal Mar Affiliated by Melia
Breakfast, Dinner
Day 10: Journey Home
It's time to close the curtain on an unforgettable holiday in France and Barcelona. Say adiós to the bustling streets of Barcelona and your travel companions.
Breakfast
