Compare France's Provencial & Spain's Southern Heritage by Venez Discover vs Mediterranean Journey - Start Paris, Classic Group Start Paris Classic Group by Insight Vacations
Compare details and see what other travelers are saying.
| Trip |
0 | Poor
|
5 | Excellent
|
| Duration | 12 days | 16 days |
| Price From | $ 3,349 | $ 5,065 |
| Price Per Day | $ 279 | $ 317 |
| Highlights |
|
|
| Trip Style | Small group tour | Group tour |
| Lodging Level | Luxury | Premium |
| Physical Level |
|
|
| Travel Themes |
|
|
| Countries Visited | ||
| Cities and Attractions |
|
|
| Flights & Transport | Ground transport included | Airfare included |
| Activities |
|
|
| Meals Included |
Breakfasts on all days and Dinner on every 1st day in each city |
N/A |
| Description |
Journey through France and Spain’s most cultural regions. You’ll explore the most divine aspects of each city, discovering the culture, cuisine, and heritage. Discover the royal and culinary heritage of France from Louis XIV to Paul Bocuse and the exquisite vineyards of the South. Then after, you’ll trip manager will journey with you inside Spain’s medieval history and heritage through its mystic scenery and local cuisine. |
Marvel at Gaudi’s masterpieces in Barcelona, spot locals sipping pastis in Nice and admire Florence the home of Michelangelo's David, as you circle the azure waters of the Mediterranean. Embrace a day of Pisa sightseeing with a stop at the famous leaning tower, where Italian astronomer Galileo was said to have pioneered his theories of gravity. In France, work up an appetite in the medieval streets before a sumptuous farm-to-table dinner in Avignon with a menu that showcases traditional French, home-style cuisine. In Spain, dine with the locals in Basque tradition with an evening of San Sebastian pintxos tastings, snack-sized tapas, while sipping on a refreshing glass of local Txakoli wine. In Rome, the dish du jour is, of course, handmade pasta and seasonal flavours. |
Day 1: Paris
Your memorable trip starts in Paris, as you arrive you will be welcomed by your Trip Manager and a delightful Breakfast or Lunch (Depending on your time of arrival) at the hotel. Then on, you will embark on a tour of Paris discovering the highlights of the city, and it's hidden secrets. After that, you will make your way to the Palace of Versailles, exploring the entire estate where Louis XIV and Queen Marie Antoinette resided. As you arrive back at your hotel, you'll enjoy an excellent time to relax just before your elegant welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 2: Paris
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. You'll then enjoy Paris on your own or with the exclusive selection of add-on tours in Paris and to Normandy or Loire Valley. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Paris and the region in fashion.
Day 3: Paris to Lyon
You'll start your day early and make your way to Lyon via the fabulous French TGV in first-class while discovering the countryside of Burgundy. If you are an explorer, you'll have the option to make a detour to Puy de Dome to tour through this UNESCO World Heritage Natural site, along with your guide stroll through part of the 80 aligned puys aligned over 32KM, making it the youngest volcanic complex in France As you arrive in Lyon, before embarking on a city tour, you'll have the chance to check-in and take a moment to relax. After that, you will discover the highlights of the city and the secrets of its old town with the delightful touch of local tastes. Returning at your elegant hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent time to relax or already start exploring with meticulously crafted add on tours for you to discover the unique spot of Lyon just before your elegant welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 4: Lyon
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. You'll then enjoy Paris on your own or with the exclusive selection of add-on tours in Paris and to Normandy or Loire Valley. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Lyon and the region in fashion.
Day 5: Lyon to Avignon
You'll start your day early and make your way to Avignon via the fabulous french TGV in first-class while discovering the countryside of France's Burgundy and Provence. As you arrive in Avignon, you will embark on a city tour discovering the highlights of the town and its hidden secrets. Then on, you will make your way to the Pope's Palace, Europe's most significant and most gothic architecture. You'll also explore Avignon's historical bridge on the Rhone river build between 1177 and 1185. It is one of the most famous medieval bridges in Southern France. Returning at your elegant hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent time to relax or already start exploring with meticulously crafted add on tours for you to discover the unique spot of Avignon just before your elegant welcome cocktail and dinner.
Day 6: Avignon
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. Then, enjoy Avignon on your own or with the exclusive Day of add-on tours. The Villages of Provence, Marseille's Delights & Soap Revelation, Van Gogh Arles, Aix en Provence, or even escape to Pond-du-Gard & Vallon Pont-d'Arc's Chauvet Cave. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Avignon and the region in fashion.
Day 7: Avignon to Barcelona
You'll start your day early and make your way to Barcelona on the fabulous TGV in the comfort of first-class while discovering the scenic countryside of the southern part of France. As you arrive in Barcelona, before embarking on a city tour, you'll have the chance to check-in and take a moment to relax. Hereafter, you'll commence on a tour of Barcelona, discovering the highlights and local heritage of the capital of Catalonia. Returning at your elegant hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent time to relax or already start exploring with meticulously crafted add on tours for you to discover the unique spot of Barcelona just before your elegant cocktail and dinner.
Day 8: Barcelona
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. You'll enjoy Barcelona on your own or with the exclusive selection of add-on tours of Casa Mila & Casa Batllo Artistic Discovery, Tapas Cooking Class, Girona’s & Figueres Heritage, Monterrat Cultural Escape, Tarragona’s Regional Heritage or even Barcelona’s Historical Delights. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Barcelona and its near landmarks.
Day 9: Barcelona to Madrid
You'll start your day early and make your way to Florence via the fabulous Spanish high speed train in first-class while discovering the majestic spanish countryside. As you arrive in Madrid, before embarking on a city tour, you'll have the chance to check-in and take a moment to relax. Hereafter, you will embark on a city tour discovering the heritage & highlights of the city along with a taste of local specialties. Returning at your elegant hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent time to relax or already start exploring with meticulously crafted add on tours for you to discover the unique spot of Madrid just before your elegant cocktail and dinner.
Day 10: Madrid
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. You'll then enjoy Madrid on your own or with the exclusive selection of add-on tours of El Escorial Monarchy, Paela’s Cooking Class, Ribera Del Duero Wine Escapade and to Toledo, Avila & Segovi UNESCO World Heritage Discovery. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Madrid and the region in fashion.
Day 11: Madrid to Seville
You'll start your day early and make your way to Seville with the Spanish high speed train in first-class while discovering the countryside of the Southern part of Spain. As you arrive in Seville, before embarking on a city tour, you'll have the chance to check-in and take a moment to relax. Hereafter, you will embark on a city tour discovering the exclusive areas of the island while indulging in a local tasting. Returning at your elegant hotel, you'll have the opportunity to enjoy an excellent time to relax or already start exploring with meticulously crafted add on tours for you to discover the unique spot of Seville just before your elegant cocktail and dinner.
Day 12: Seville
Start the day with a beautiful breakfast. You'll then enjoy Seville on your own or with the exclusive selection of add-on tours to Gibraltar & Ronda’s Heritage,Tangier’s Moroccan Escape, Granada’s Alhambra’s Discovery, Cordoba’s Discovery or An Evening of Flamenco. Your Trip Manager will also be present to ensure you explore Seville and the region in fashion.
Day 13: Seville to your next destination or home
You'll start your last morning with us on a delightful breakfast. You'll then either head to your next destination or explore the wonders of Seville for the last time.
Day 1: Welcome to Paris
Welcome to Paris, enjoy time at leisure to settle into your hotel. During your time here you will see the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre, the Place de la Concorde, the Champs Elysées and Arc de Triomphe. At 17:00 join your Travel Director at a local brasserie in the heart of Paris for a fabulous Welcome Dinner.
Day 2: Paris, the City of Light
Your exploration of Paris today begins with an Insight Choice. Choose between exploring aristocratic Marais district with your Local Expert, including a visit to beautiful Sully's Mansion garden, or alternatively join a Local Expert who is an avid foodie, to explore the local market and sample local treats and delicacies. With the afternoon free, there are countless opportunities to enjoy the lively atmosphere of this glittering city.
Day 3: Amboise and on to Bordeaux
Head southwards towards Châteaux Country. Take a scenic drive along the Loire Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The region is known as the Jardins de France for the beautifully maintained gardens that were created on vast estates as outdoor living areas. Visit the majestic Chenoneau Castle, an elegant French château spanning the River Cher. Continue on to the bustling seaport of Bordeaux with its unique 18th century character.
Day 4: Bordeaux and San Sebastián
Join a Local Expert for a guided tour of France's best 18th century architecture. The facades of the quaysides, the Grand Théâtre, Triangle d'Or and magnificent Esplanade des Quinconces all contribured to Bordeaux earn inclusion on UNESCO's World Heritage list. Next, continue to picturesque San Sebastián where you will have the chance to dine with the locals in the evening. In small groups, wander through the Old Town for a progressive dinner, as you enjoy the gastronomic Basque tradition of pintxos. Similar to tapas, enjoy a variety of snack-sized treats to make your meal and be sure to try some of the local Txakoli wine.
Day 5: On to Madrid Relaxed Start
Continue along the Guadarrama Mountains to the plateau of New Castile and Spain's elegant capital of Madrid. In the evening, why not see the city lit up it all its glory, with a drive along the grand avenues and past the spectacular fountains?
Day 6: Madrid
Join your Local Expert for a sightseeing tour of the Old Town as well as, along the elegant Paseo de la Castellana and past the fountain in the Plaza de Cibeles. Explore Madrid with Insight Choice. Choose to visit the Reina Sofia Museum with an art historian to see Picasso's Guernica. Alternatively, join a MAKE TRAVEL MATTER® Experience on a neighbourhood walking tour to learn about the history of women's movements in Spain.
Day 7: Madrid and beautiful Barcelona
Cross the Castilian plain, past Zaragoza, and continue to the vibrant port of Barcelona. In the evening, why not try delicious local Catalan cuisine and as night descends, view the city from the heights of Montjuic, with lights sparkling below from the mountains to sea.
Day 8: Barcelona, City of Gaudi
Join your Local Expert to explore the heart of the Gothic Quarter. See the cathedral and walk through the Roman gate to tour the narrow lanes and old squares. Travel by the Ramblas and along the Passeig de Gràcia. Continue through the Eixample district to see Gaudi’s extraordinary masterpiece, the mesmerising Sagrada Família.
Day 9: Avignon, the City of Popes
Journey to Avignon to see the famous Pont d'Avignon, once spanning the Rhône and immortalised in songs. Walk within the medieval narrow streets of the Old Town to stand in the shadow of the old Palais des Papes, resembling a fortress. Learn about olive oil and enjoy a tasting of the freshest produce. After, indulge in a Farm-to-Table dinner, a delicious insight into traditional French home-style cuisine.
Day 10: On the shores of Nice
Journey along the French Riviera to the elegant town of Nice, where the rest of the day is at your leisure to stroll along the fabled Promenade des Anglais or relax on the beach.
Day 11: Monaco and Pisa
Travel to Monaco where you are driven along part of the Grand Prix circuit, before walking with your Travel Director through the old town. See the Royal Palace where the Grimaldi family live, the yacht-filled harbour and visit the cathedral, housing the tombs of the late Prince Rainier and Princess Grace. Cross into Italy and follow the arc of the Italian Riviera before arriving in Pisa. In the Square of Miracles, stop to see the incredible Leaning Tower of Pisa with a Local Expert, from which Galileo is said to have conducted experiments on velocity and gravity. Also see the splendid 11th century cathedral and baptistery, decorated with mosaics and designs in solid marble.
Day 12: Florence Sightseeing Relaxed Start
Walk with your Local Expert to the marble-clad cathedral and baptistery, where Ghiberti’s Gates of Paradise have been recreated in all their glory. The next stop is Piazza della Signoria, still the political heart of Florence and an open-air gallery of Renaissance masterpieces. Spend time gazing at statues such as Neptune and David along the front of the Palazzo Vecchio. The area around Santa Croce Basilica is famous for the quality of its luxury goods of gold and leather and there's free time to shop or continue exploring.
Day 13: The Eternal City of Rome
Relax and enjoy the grand landscapes of the Chianti hills and Umbria, before passing the Apennine Mountains to arrive at the Eternal City, filled with classic antiquities, medieval buildings, Renaissance palaces and Baroque churches. In the evening, what better way to toast the culmination of your Mediterranean journey, than with delicious Italian cuisine and wine.
Day 14: Exploring Papal Rome
A Local Expert introduces the grandeur of the city, starting with the Vatican State, the richest community on the world. Visit the Vatican Museums, full of priceless treasures collected by the Popes. Insight provides special, fast-tracked entry to avoid the crowds, together with behind-the-scenes access to the Bramante Staircase - a marvel of Renaissance architecture normally off-limits to the general public. Once inside the Sistine Chapel, admire Michelangelo's famous ceiling. Next door, visit St. Peter’s Basilica to admire Michelangelo's emotive 'Pieta' and see Bernini's intricately carved Papal Altar. The rest of the day is yours to shop in the trendy boutiques or relax at a sidewalk cafe. Perhaps join an Optional Experience to visit the Colosseum, the scene of many gladiatorial contests, and see the Roman Forum?
Day 15: Rome at Leisure Relaxed Start
The day is yours to enjoy Rome at your own pace. Perhaps take an optional experience to the ill-fated town of Pompeii, frozen in time when it was engulfed by an eruption of Vesuvius in 79 AD. Alternatively, spend some time in the boutiques of the Via del Corso, the Via Nazionale or the elegant designer stores near the Spanish Steps? As night falls, why not sip on prosecco at a sidewalk cafe in Piazza Navona - the Living Room of Rome - and enjoy life's pageantry pass by?
Day 16: Arrivederci Roma
Bid farewell to the glories of Italy. Departure transfers arrive at Rome’s Fiumicino Leonardo da Vinci Airport at 07:00 and 09:30.
