Normandy, all of France and Spain

Welcome to your tour with Europamundo!Early departure from Paris. We’ll travel towards Normandy, making a stop in Giverny to visit Monet’s House and its impressive gardens (admission included); we’ll learn about impressionist art, a movement centered in Normandy. The journey will continue to Rouen, Normandy’s capital with its medieval streets and cathedral. Here we’ll have time for a stroll and lunch. We’ll continue to Arromanches, where the beaches serve as a poignant reminder of the World War II landings in France. Our final destination is Caen, where we’ll enjoy some leisure time in the central district. Note: From November to April, Monet´s house is closed to visitors, so there will be no stop at Giverny.

First thing in the morning, we’ll travel to MontSaintMichel, known as “The Marvel,” where you´ll have time to explore the city, surrounded by the sea and the abbey. Next, in Brittany, we’ll stop in SaintMalo, whose powerful walls defend the city. Time for lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll continue to Dinan, a charming Breton village where we will enjoy a crepe and a drink. We’ll then make our way to Rennes, the capital of Brittany, with its fascinating and monumental historic center.

We’ll depart for Angers. Those who wish can visit the castle that houses the largest medieval tapestry depicting the Apocalypse. Our journey will take us to the Loire Valley, arriving in Tours, the region´s capital, located on the banks of the Loire River. Here, you’ll have time to explore and enjoy lunch. In the afternoon, we’ll visit Château de Villandry, renowned for its magnificent gardens and flowers, with admission to the gardens included. We’ll then continue to Amboise for accommodation, a city celebrated for its enchanting medieval quarter. Dinner will be included.

Embark on a day of discovery in the Loire Valley, starting with a morning stroll through Amboise, home to the Château du Clos Lucé, where Leonardo da Vinci spent his final three years. Delving deeper into the Loire region, we´ll explore the iconic Château de Chenonceau (tickets included), built like a bridge over the river. Next, we will visit Chambord, the largest castle in the Loire Valley (visit to the park included). Continuing our journey into central France, our next stop will be Limoges, renowned for its porcelain. We suggest visiting its historic center, where the highlight is Saint Etienne Cathedral.

We’ll leave Limoges for the Dordogne, home to one of the great historic rivers in central France. Few regions contain so many charming villages and enchanting landscapes. We’ll arrive at Lascaux, where we’ll visit the museum and the replica of the caves (tickets included) and learn about the site’s prehistoric times with its magnificent cave paintings. After that, we’ll visit Sarlat, a UNESCO World Heritage town with an incredibly wellpreserved Renaissance historic center, where there will be time to stroll and have lunch. In Beynac, we’ll explore a medieval castle overlooking the river (admission included). We’ll end the day in Rocamadour, a beautiful medieval village with an important sanctuary "perched" on a cliff; we suggest walking down the Via Crucis and taking the lift back up. Dinner will be included.

We´ll visit the impressive Padirac Chasm, where we´ll enjoy a boat ride on the river 75 meters underground. Afterwards, we´ll proceed to CollongeslaRouge, a picturesque village built with red stone on the Way of St. James. Following lunch, we´ll journey to SaintEmilion, located in the heart of the Bordeaux wineproducing region, with time for a leisurely stroll. We’ll arrive in Bordeaux in the evening. Note: The Padirac Chasm may be closed from November until the end of March due to weather conditions.

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. As a way of welcoming you to the city, we’ll include a transfer to the Plaza Mayor, a popular spot to enjoy pinchos or wine at one of its many restaurants. Note: Depending on the number of passengers, the journey from Valencia to Madrid might be carried out by highspeed train.

The morning will begin with a comprehensive tour of central Madrid, featuring highlights like Paseo del Prado, Cibeles, Neptuno, Puerta de Alcalá, Plaza de Colón, and Plaza Mayor. We’ll then visit Retiro Park, a beautiful oasis in the city center, where we’ll see the lake and the Palacio de Cristal. Admission is included to the Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, the home of Real Madrid—considered by many to be the best football club in the world. Enjoy the rest of the afternoon at your leisure. In the evening, we’ll provide a return transfer to the hotel.

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