Itinerary

Day 1 Rome

Rome, the 'Eternal City', is the capital of Italy. The historical center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Make sure to explore the sites of the Colosseum and the Roman Forum. A few blocks away, Old Rome is the center of the medieval and Renaissance periods, with beautiful plazas, cathedrals, the Pantheon, Piazza Navona, Fountains of Trevi, Campo de' Fiori, Spanish Steps, and plenty of shopping and dining. Just across the river is the Vatican, the Papal City State and its endless treasure troves of sights, relics, and museums, as well as the surrounding Italian neighborhood, Vaticano. Via Veneto leads north into modern Rome to the train station and is lined with glitzy shops and hotels for every budget.

Enjoy a private Airport (Fiumicino/Ciampino) transfer with a private vehicle and driver.

A welcome package with your vouchers, a city map, train tickets (if relevant) and any other touristic information that we deem you may find useful will be waiting for you upon your arrival at your first hotel on your trip.

Enjoy one of the most delightful and fascinating walks in the world! Monumental Rome is a mix of piazzas (squares), Rennaissance architectural masterpieces, and thousands of years of history -all interwoven with cafes, shopping, and great gelato! Your walk through the historical centre starts at the Spanish Steps, famously leading down to the historic center of the city and surrounded with fabulous shopping, from bargain to the top brands. Continue to the Trevi Fountain where legend says if you flip a coin into the water you are sure to return to Rome. The Piazza Colona's great buildings are hemmed in by rushing traffic, so continue on a few blocks to the massive Pantheon, which was built in the First Century B.C. and for millenia was the highest arched building in the world. Its a short walk to Piazza Navona, with the famous Fountain of the Four Rivers, Bernini's masterpiece. This square is packed with artists, cafes, and a swirl of faces - its a great place to enjoy the view. You can explore this part of the city for days!

The Hotel Alexandra (3*) is located on the most glamorous and important street of Rome: Via Veneto, near Barberini Square, just a few steps from Trevi Fountain, Spanish Steps, the charming Villa Borghese Park and its Museum, the shopping center of Via del Corso and the fashionable boutiques of Via Condotti. Nearby the hotel you will find offices, services, airlines offices, banks, restaurants, bars and clubs.  Under new Roman law, hotels charge a small amount per traveller per day as a “tourist tax”, which needs to be paid locally through your hotel in Rome. Amounts may vary, but currently the cost is 2EUR per person for 2* & 3* hotels and 3EUR for 4* & 5* hotels. The charges will be added to your bill upon check out and are non-negotiable.

Overnight at Alexandra (3*).

Day 2 Rome

Spend the day on a shared tour in Rome. After being picked up from your centrally located hotel, you will pass by the Villa Borghese park, Porta Flaminia and cross over the Tiber river before reaching the Vatican Museum. During the visit you can admire the Hall of the Greek Cross, the Statue Gallery, the interesting cartographic study in the Geographical Maps Gallery, the Raphael Rooms, entirely frescoed by the Master and, above all, the Sistine Chapel. This is where Popes are elected and where you will find the Genesis and Last Judgement works by Michelangelo which have been recently restored. Please note that during high season there may be queues to enter the museums. Enjoy lunch (drinks included) before spending the afternoon exploring some of the most fascinating sights of the city in the company of an English speaking guide on board an air-conditioned coach. Crossing Piazza della Repubblica with the Najadi’s Fountain, you will continue along Via Nazionale till Piazza Venezia, heart of the city with the Monument to Victor Emanuel II also called "Vittoriano" – Continue by bus to the Colosseum and the surrounding Arches of Costantine and Tirus and have a walk into the Roman Forum, the most important archeological area in the world, and possibly the Capitol Square. Proceed to Theatre Marcello to reach St. Paul’s Outside the walls by coach where you will enjoy a visit. At the end of the shared tour you will be brought back to your hotel.

Overnight at Alexandra (3*).

Day 3 Rome

After your lunch, enjoy an afternoon tour as you discover imperial and early Christian Rome by peeling back layers and millennia of history as you descend into the Eternal city's underground burial chambers, its long winding catacombs and its crypts. Your guide will explain the secrets of the Domitilla Catacombs, an ancient Christian burial ground, and the Church of San Clemente, built over an ancient fourth century church which was built over an even older Roman house containing Christian artifacts and a pagan temple almost 20 metres below ground level. You'll also visit Santa Maria Maggiore, the Holy Stairs, Old Appian Way and Domine Quo Vadis Chapel. (Includes Tour guide, tickets to Domitilla Catacombs and the church of San Clemente and air-conditioned transportation). Includes pick up and drop-off at hotel.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Alexandra (3*).

Day 4 Florence

Even among Italy's finest cities, Florence is something special, rising from the beautiful landscape of Tuscany as a living piece of history. Everywhere you turn you'll see works by Michelangelo, Donatello, Brunelleschi and any number of Masters of Italy's Golden Age. It is in the museums and galleries of the city that most of Florence's treasures are concentrated. The piazzas are full of fashionable boutiques and ever more fashionable people, and the café is still central to the Florentine social life. In the evening the city lights up and its squares and streets are thronged with visitors and locals taking their "passeggiata" as the denizens of the city have done for thousands of years.

You will be met by a private driver and escorted from the train station to your accommodation.

Enjoy great savings with an 8 day rail pass that you can use between Italy, France and Spain.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

A visit to Florence is not complete without visiting one of the most important art galleries in the world, the Uffizi. Enjoy a guided (shared) tour of the Uffizi Gallery to have an unforgettable journey through the masterpieces of famous artists such as Botticelli, Michelangelo, Leonardo da Vinci, Raffaello, Giotto, Cimabue and Masaccio. At the end of the tour, you are free to remain in the museum to explore further at your leisure. (The tour includes a prebooked entrance and guided tour of the Uffizi Gallery in English). Meet your guide at the entrance to the Museum at 8.50.

The Pendini (3*) hotel is sitting between the Duomo and the Uffizi Gallery, offers from more than 120 years a fantastic location for visiting the town. You can easily visit the entire historic centre on foot and reach the main tourist attractions such as the Duomo, the Santa Croce Basilica, the splendid Piazza della Signoria and the picturesque Ponte Vecchio. The property is located on the fourth floor of an arcaded, 19th century building, that has maintained intact the atmosphere of an old-fashioned Florentine guest house. Here tradition and modernity live perfectly side by side. In the hotel's lobby you will find an Interent Point free of charge. A bar is also at guests disposal. The reception desk is open 24 hours a day and a friendly and welcoming staff will be pleased to give you information on the main events and attractions of this outstanding city.

Overnight at Pendini (3*) .

Day 5 Florence

Enjoy a full day shared tour which gives you the opportunity of discovering the Chianti region. A coach with an English speaking Guide will first take you through the countryside of the Chianti area with ever-changing scenery of vineyards and olive trees. Enjoy a visit to San Gimignano, a tiny city that has remained intact through the centuries. The city is situated on top of a hill and is famous for its numerous towers, frescos and other art treasures. On arrival in Siena there is some free time for lunch (not included). Your guide will than bring you on a escorted visit through this magnificent city. You will see the Cathedral situated in the Piazza dal Campo, one of the most beautiful squares in Europe. Located near this famous Piazza is the Town Hall, and San Domenico, which is known for it's numerous treasures of Italian painting. During the return journey you will see the old medieval village of Monteriggioni enclosed by its famous walls which are still standing strong.

Overnight at Pendini (3*) .

Day 6 Nice

Nice is the capital of the French Riviera and a glittering jewel of the Côte d'Azur. It is a city built on wealth and prestige, and not a little pretension. Head away from the Promenade and you'll find a different, more thoughtful Nice. History shows itself in the Roman and Grecian ruins in the Parc du Château, art manifests itself in the form of the outstanding Chagall and Matisse collections, and the old town simply oozes Mediterranean charm.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Take the train to Nice. Journey will take approximately 7.5 hours, with a change of train in Milan.

Explore the colorful, historical centre of Nice at leisure...The Cours Selaya Flower Market is a must-see. This is also one of the main neighborhoods for dining, with several cafés lining the outdoor market. If you want seafood, this is the spot to hit. There are also several souvenir shops, gourmet shops and other boutiques here. The Promenade des Anglais is something anyone visiting Nice is sure to see. The Pedestrian Zone (zone pietonne) is a bit of a tourist trap, but there's a good reason. This is a lovely area for a stroll, as cars are forbidden except for the early morning. The shops here are on the tacky-tee-shirt scale in most cases, although there are several great clothing store chains and nice shops like the gourmet boutique Ducs de Gascony. This is the ideal spot to sip a café au lait and watch the world go by. Follow the Cours Saleya which runs parallel to the United States quay - polychrome façades, flower market, fruit and vegetable market, chapelle de la Miséricorde) then turn left into the rue Jules-Gilly (Red Penitents’ chapel). Continue on Rue Droite (église du Gesù) before reaching on your left, place Rossetti (cathédrale Sainte-Réparate). Return to rue Droite (palais Lascaris) towards place Saint-François (fish market). Then back to the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna through the narrow streets of the old city (many shops and restaurants) or via the castle hill (splendid view over the city and the port).

Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant (not included in tour price). Here are a few suggestions: Les Viviers- An elegant dining room with light wood panelling or a 1900s-style bistro: two decors but the same cuisine, based on fish, seafood and dishes of the day. Classic cuisine with prices approximately 38€ (weekday lunch)/85€ - Menu: 39€/90€. Closed 21 July-18 August, Saturday lunch and Sunday. Brasserie Flo - A parterre of tables and troop of waiters at the ready: the bell rings and the deep-red curtain goes up on the kitchens of this brasserie housed in a 1930 theatre. Meals - 23€ - 30€ incl. drinks (lunch)/55€ - Menu: 32€/67€.Stephane Viano - Easily recognisable by its long veranda furnished with Provençal-blue chairs, this fashionable restaurant also has a dining room with a vaulted ceiling and black and white decor. Typical Nice dishes given a modern twist. Meals - 32€/58€ - Menu: 42€/58€. Closed on Sundays.

Villa Victoria (3*) is located in the heart of Nice, near the Promenade des Anglais and the Acropolis convention centre. The hotel is renovated in a quintessential French Riviera style and has a beautiful botanic garden. Some rooms have a view on this green paradise in the centre of the city.

Furthermore, this property has a beautiful breakfast lounge, a terrace with a garden view, and a charming bar. It offers also other amenities like recently refurbished and silent rooms, helpful personnel, an internet point, and a shared private beach.

Overnight at Villa Victoria (3*).

Day 7 Nice

Enjoy a shared 4 hour tour by minibus with a Driver/Guide visiting the Provencal towns of Biot and Grasse. After your hotel pick up, our first stop is The town of Biot which dates back to the 13th century. Given that the town is known as the heart of handicraft production such as pottery and hand-blown glassware, it only seems right that a stop with free time to see a glass blowing workshop and the Fernand Leger museum is in order. Next on the list is the beautiful village of Grasse. The village dates back to medieval times, but only became well known since the 17th century after the start of its perfume industry. There will be another stop with free time for a visit of the old town of Grasse including the church, which has original paintings from Rubens. A visit to the Frangonard perfume museum and factory is included. At the end of the tour you will be returned to your hotel in Nice.

Explore the colorful, historical centre of Nice at leisure...The Cours Selaya Flower Market is a must-see. This is also one of the main neighborhoods for dining, with several cafés lining the outdoor market. If you want seafood, this is the spot to hit. There are also several souvenir shops, gourmet shops and other boutiques here. The Promenade des Anglais is something anyone visiting Nice is sure to see. The Pedestrian Zone (zone pietonne) is a bit of a tourist trap, but there's a good reason. This is a lovely area for a stroll, as cars are forbidden except for the early morning. The shops here are on the tacky-tee-shirt scale in most cases, although there are several great clothing store chains and nice shops like the gourmet boutique Ducs de Gascony. This is the ideal spot to sip a café au lait and watch the world go by. Follow the Cours Saleya which runs parallel to the United States quay - polychrome façades, flower market, fruit and vegetable market, chapelle de la Miséricorde) then turn left into the rue Jules-Gilly (Red Penitents’ chapel). Continue on Rue Droite (église du Gesù) before reaching on your left, place Rossetti (cathédrale Sainte-Réparate). Return to rue Droite (palais Lascaris) towards place Saint-François (fish market). Then back to the Promenade des Anglais and Place Masséna through the narrow streets of the old city (many shops and restaurants) or via the castle hill (splendid view over the city and the port).

Overnight at Villa Victoria (3*).

Day 8 Avignon

Avignon city is well known for its Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes), where several popes and antipopes lived from the early 14th to early 15th centuries. The palace is an impressive monument and sits within a square of the same name. Nearby, Notre Dame des Doms cathedral is a Romanesque building, mainly built during the 12th century.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy the train ride from Nice to Avignon in a fast speed (direct) train. Train duration is approximately 3 hours.

Explore the highlights of Avignon at leisure on an unescorted tour of the UNESCO world heritage sites of the 12th century Pont d'Avignon (with audio guide), and the 14th century Pope's Palace (with audio guide) before an hour long cruise and dinner. The Pont d'Avignon was the first construction over the Rhone river, between Lyon and the Mediterranean Sea in the 12th century. The bridge collapsed in the 17th century and the king never wanted to pay for restoring it. To this day, it stands as an unfinished structure. The Popes' Palace stands as the mighty symbol of the church's influence throughout the western Christian world in the 14th century and is the biggest Gothic palace in all of Europe. Then take a boat trip on the Rhone river, sailing upstream along the Rocher des Doms and the Pont St Benezet and back downstream to Villeneuve. Finally, enjoy a 3 course dinner in a gastronomic restaurant (drinks not included).

Hotel de L'Horloge Hotel (3*) is set in a 19th century building which oozes charm and character and overlooks the picturesque Place de L'Horloge (Horologe square) in the very centre of Avignon. Here, nestled between the Alpilles hills and the Luberon countryside, you will find yourself in the heart of a city which was once the capital of Christianity. All the rooms are typically quite small and are traditionally furnished with a soft colour scheme, many boasting excellent views into the city. Having recently been refurbished, the rooms and bathrooms are in very good condition.

Overnight at Hotel De L`Horloge (3*).

Day 9 Avignon

Enjoy a half day (5hrs) shared excursion to some of the main sites of the area; the famous Pont du Gard aqueduct, Les Baux de Provence and the site of the triumphal arches of Antiques, just outside of Saint Remy de Provence. Dating from the 1st century and classified by UNESCO, the Pont du Gard is the most well conserved part of the Roman aqueduct of Nimes. From here, continue on to Les Baux de Provence, a historical village located upon a rock 245 metres high. Wander around the village at leisure checking out the museum of santons (typical dolls made in this area), the hotel des Porcelets - a beautiful 16th century house and the romanesque building of St Vincent's church. The last stop on your tour is just outside the bussling market town of Saint Remy de Provence where you get to stop at the Antiques - a triumphal arch and funeral monument located in a field of olive trees which VanGogh used as his backdrop for many of his paintings (he lived here for a number of years). (Includes a tour by minibus with an English speaking Driver/Guide).

Overnight at Hotel De L`Horloge (3*).

Day 10 Barcelona

In Barcelona, and throughout Catalonia, there are two official languages: Catalan, the language of the Catalans, and Spanish, the official language of Spain.Wherever you are in Barcelona, there's always something to see nearby around the neighbourhood or district: jewels of home-grown Catalan architecture, modernisme, and contemporary architecture, markets that are a treat for the senses, treasures of the ancient Roman and medieval city, parks where you can unwind … And the best thing of all is, you don't have to be a great explorer to find and discover all of Barcelona’s neighbourhoods. Barcelona is legendary for its nightlife, but don't venture out for dinner before 11pm, the restaurants don't really get going till midnight, and the clubs start hopping from the wee hours till dawn.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy your train ride from Avignon to Barcelona. A train connection in Montpellier is necesasary and train travel time is approximately 5 hours.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Balmes (3*) is an economy class hotel, situated next to Paseo de Gracia, is located in the Eixample area. A location 25-kilometers from the airport makes this hotel perfect for international travelers. Guests will enjoy easy access via the metro to a myriad of historical, cultural, and tourist attractions, including the Ramblas, Born Quarter, the Olympic Village, and La Sagrada Familia Church. The Liceo Theatre, Guell Park Gothic Park, and the Picasso Museum, are only a stroll away. The hotel features 100 cozy rooms that are adorned with standard amenities, and a distinctive color scheme that uses neutral hues to promote peacefulness. The Balmes Hotel is perfect for travelers that want central city accommodation for a reasonable price.

Overnight at Balmes (3*).

Day 11 Barcelona

The Gothic Quarter is Barcelona's historical and political centre. Explore the gothic quarter by foot with a Professional English speaking Guide where you will discover not only its streets, squares and hidden corners but the charms of its architecture. The tour commences with the Roman Walls and its towers dating back from the 4th century. Next up is the 15th century Casa de la Pia Almoina and The Gothic Cathedral, where you will have the opportunity to admire the impressive 15th century cloister. You will also see the Casa de l'Ardiaca, a 15th century building which was once the archdeacons residence. Admire the 17th century neoclassical Episcopal Palace and see Sant Felip Neri Square, perhaps one of the most poetic and charming corners of the city. Other stops along the way include Sant Sever church, August Temple, Lloctinent Palace, Plaza del Rey, Santa Agata Chapel, Libreteria Street and Sant Jaume Square. (Entrance to the Cathedral's Cloister, Santa Agata Chapel and Augustus Temple included).

Indulge in a few hours of shopping! Barcelona is a mecca for shoppers! The shopping line stretches from the top of the Ramblas, through Placa de Catalunya along Passeig de Gràcia and up Avenue Diagonal. Most of the streets are pedestrian only. If you're after international fashion, Avinguda Diagonal is the place to look. Shops include Calvin Klein (At No 484), Giorgio Armani (No 490; No 620), Gianni Versace (No 606) and Gucci (No 415). Jean Pierre Bua (No 469) hosts designers ranging from Jean Paul Gaultier through to Helmut Lang. There's a gaggle of relatively economical shoe shops on Avinguda del Portal de l'Angel, which is just off Placa de Catalunya. If you're in the mood for a little kitsch, the easiest thing to do is head for La Rambla. Lladro & Majorica - These are possibly the two best-known Spanish brand names in the world.. Garcia (tel 93 302 69 89; La Rambla 4) is a handy spot to take a look at these products. You will find Majorica pearls in El Corte Ingles department stores too. Arts & Crafts - For an overview of high-quality Catalan crafts (artesania), pop into the Centre Catala d'Artesania (tel 93 467 46 60; Passeig de Gracia 55). It is dedicated to promoting and maintaining Catalan craft traditions. Art - Along Carrer de Montcada are several commercial galleries, the biggest being Galeria Maeght (Carrer de Montcada 25).

Overnight at Balmes (3*).

Day 12 Barcelona

Visit the art galleries and/or museums of your choice in Barcelona with this Articket which entitles you to free admission to seven of the most important and remarkable museums and art centres in Barcelona: Picasso Museum, Fundacion Joan Miro, Casa Mila, Fundacion Antonio Tapies, Museo Nacional de Arte de Catalunya (MNAC), Museo de Arte Contemporaneo de Barcelona (MACBA) and Centro de Cultura Contemporanea de Barcelona (CCCB). The Articket can be used once at each museum and at any time during a period of six months, so you can use it whenever you like throughout your stay in the city. Exchange your voucher for the Articket at any of the included museums during their opening hours.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

Overnight at Balmes (3*).

Day 13 Madrid

As the capital of the Spanish Empire, Madrid was once the richest and most powerful city in the world. That kind of past leaves a big impression on a place and in Madrid it is easy to see. For palaces, museums and concerts it is up there with the best in the world. The museums of the "golden triangle" alone, namely the Prado, Reina Sofia and Thyssen-Bornemisza, feature a stunning array of paintings ranging from Old Masters to modern surrealists all housed in some of Spain's most magnificent buildings. And the rest of the city is just as rich in cultural icons and architecture. But Madrid is also a city for going out and partying. The area of Malasana is packed with bars and restaurants that stay open until dawn and rival anything Barcelona has to offer.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy your train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. The train ride takes approximately three hours.

Enjoy half day shared tour of the city with a guide, and admire the principal sights of the city, and discover Madrid under its different historical periods. Drive through the Madrid of the Habsburg epoch, going past the squares Plaza Mayor and Puerta del Sol. Continue to drive through Madrid of the Bourbon period, gazing at the Palacio Real (Royal Palace)(no stop), the Teatro Real (Madrid’s opera house), the Museo del Prado (El Prado Museum), Atocha railway station, the Puerta de Alcalá (triumphal arch) and the city’s beautiful fountains of Neptuno and Cibeles. Drive past squares such as Plaza de Colón, Plaza de Castilla, and Plaza de España, with its unmistakable monument to Cervantes. Visit the aristocratic quarter of Salamanca, where distinguished designers have their boutiques in Madrid and drive along the elegant avenue of La Castellana, which leads to the city’s financial quarter, with the Torre Picasso (tower) or the Estadio del Bernabéu (Real Madrid’s stadium), without forgetting the Plaza de Las Ventas (Madrid’s most important Bullring) and the Parque del Retiro.

Room Mate Alicia (3*) is an impressive 20th-century industrial building in Madrid’s Plaza Santa Ana, 500 metres from the Prado and Thyssen Museums. The 34 air-conditioned guestrooms have modern decor in neutral colours; all offer wireless Internet, minibars and satellite television. Room Mate Alicia’s guests can order drinks and tapas from the bar, access the wireless Internet in the lounge, and unwind by the fireplace.

Overnight at Room Mate Alicia (3*).

Day 14 Madrid

See and do exactly what you feel like today with your 24 hour Madrid Card. The Card is an electronic smart card offering free admission to more than 40 museums in and around Madrid, including the major ones. Your ticket can be used on the 'Madrid Vision' sightseeing bus, allowing you to get on and off the bus as many times as you wish for a day. The card also entitles you to visit the Planetarium, a guided walking tour from the "Discover Madrid Program", use of a Cable Car, visit Faunia Biologic Park and Imax Cinema. You can also benefit from discounts in more than 100 establishments including shops, restaurants, shows, rent a car and leisure centres for adults and children. You will also obtain a guidebook with information on the museums and establishments that are included on the scheme and a map of the city. Exchange your voucher for a Madrid Card at: Madrid Tourist Board, Plaza Mayor 27 between 9.30am and 8.30pm or at Metro Travellers Information Centre. Your pass is valid from 9am until 7pm.

Discover the great shopping opportunities the city has to offer Here are some suggesions of places you may like to check out...The most convenient shopping area is around Calle de Preciados, between Sol and Gran Vía, home to El Corte Inglés department store, Zara, Gran Vía 32, and Casa Jiménez, Calle de Preciados 42, famed throughout Spain for its mantones and mantillas (lace and embroidered shawls). The smartest shopping district is Salamanca northeast of the centre, around Calle Serrano. Top designer names like Armani, Chanel, Versace, Hermès and Hugo Boss, including the fluid fabrics and elegant cuts of Spanish designer Adolfo Domínguez, are located on Calle Ortega y Gasset. Head for Calle Serrano for Purificación García, Roberto Verino, Ermenegildo Zegna and Yves Saint Laurent. Another trendy area is Chueca, especially Calles Almirante and Conde de Xiquena, while the Mecca for youth fashions is Calle Fuencarral. The main areas for antiques are Salamanca and the arcades on Calle Ribera de Curtidores - Nuevas Galerías, at #12, and Galerías Piquer, at #29. Bargain hunters should make for the Rastro, Madrid's famous flea market, also located around Ribera de Curtidores. The market is open on Sunday mornings (10am - 2pm). Be aware of pickpockets in this area.

Enjoy a three course typical Spanish dinner before watching a breathtaking perfomance of Flamenco. Located in the Old Quarter of Madrid, Corral de La Moreria Flamenco is an authentic tablao (place where flamenco is performed) where singers, guitarists and dancers share their talent to make you feel the art of 'Flamenco'. Enjoy a three course dinner including wine and mineral water before the performance.

Overnight at Room Mate Alicia (3*).

Day 15 San Sebastian

Ideally situated on an excellent spot on the Bay of Biscay , San Sebastian is surrounded by verdant mountains. the city poscesses no less than three beaches - the laid-back Ondaretta, the casual and friendly Playa de Gros, and the popular Playa de la Concha .

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy your train ride from Madrid to San Sebastian. The train ride takes approximately five hours.

San Sebastian is extremely pedestrian friendly – both within the historical centre, and along the expansive beaches which border it. The charming old quarter is bursting with cafés and restaurants where you can try their tasty tapas. Other attractions include the Baroque Church of Santa Maria , the Gothic Church of San Vicente, and the Museo de San Telemo , a former 16 th century convent. For spectacular views of the bay and town, climb atop Mount Urgull and Mount Igueldo . At the base of Mount Igeldo is a beach where visitors can take a ride to the peak to witness the breathtaking view. Miramar Palace, is located above the " Pico del Loro ", marking the strategic junction of La Concha Beach and Ondarreta Beach , and also the dividing point in the long promenade between two city districts: " El Antiguo " and " Miraconcha ". The Palace marks the city's historical origin, because it is based on the plan of the old church of San Sebastián, the original urban center of the town. The magnificent palace complex, with its park, gardens, several buildings and outbuildings, is a quintessential summer place. Once you are ready for home, you can make the journey back to San Sebastian at leisure.

Villa Soro(4*) is a charming 25 bedroom hotel located in a renovated 19th century villa which has been declared a Historical Heritage Building of San Sebastian. Villa Soro is an outstanding new address, offering a harmonious balance between the warm and familiar atmosphere of a century-old home and the comfort and services of a luxury hotel. Tranquillity, warmth and courtesy are the main characteristics of Villa Soro. The property has a garden designed by the French landscape designer Ducasse in 1898, with pleasant living areas reminiscing the family atmosphere of this stately home, and a very professional team permanently at your service.

Overnight at Villa Soro (4*).

Day 16 San Sebastian

Enjoy a private vehicle transfer with driver to Bilbao and the world famous Guggenheim museum (entrance not included). Your Driver will leave you to explore the museum and allow some time to wander around the city centre before your return to San Sebastian.

Overnight at Villa Soro (4*).
    
Day 17 Bordeaux

Founded around the third century BC, Bordeaux city thrived on its port activities, and building its wealth on the commercial expansion and colonial trade with the West Indies. Sites not to be missed when visiting the city include the Grand Theatre with its 18th century architecture. It is ideally located near the shopping heaven of Rue Sainte Catherine. It is also worth visiting St Andre Cathedral, Tour Pey-Berland and the Aquitaine Museum to appreciate Bordeaux’s rich history.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy your train ride from San Sebastian to Bordeaux. The train ride takes approximately three hours. A connection in Irun/Hendaye is required.

Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel.

The Quality Sainte Catherine Hotel (3*) has a fantastic location in the heart of Bordeaux and just off Sainte Catherine Street, which is said to be the longest pedestrian street in Europe. It is set in an attractive 18th century building with modern decor throughout. Adjacent to the Grand Theatre, many attractions and famous restaurants are nearby the hotel. The on-site bar and restaurant provide excellent meals and drinks, ensuring a comfortable and pleasant stay for guest who base themselves in the hotel as they explore Bordeaux and its surroundings.

Overnight at Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*).

Day 18 Bordeaux

Enjoy a two hour morning (shared) walking tour in the historical centre of Bordeaux (panoramic tour instead of walking tour on Wed & Sat) with a bilingual French-English speaking Guide. Enjoy lunch at leisure at any one of the numerous great restaurants in the centre before departing the city at 1.30pm for a 5 hour afternoon excursion to visit two vineyards in the area. Then enjoy a 3-course dinner (drinks not included) at the traditional “Restaurant ” BAUD & MILLET” or similar.

Overnight at Quality Hotel Sainte Catherine (3*).

Day 19 Paris

Paris is confident that it's the world's most beautiful, fashionable and artistic capital. After visiting the city you will no doubt find it hard to disagree. Paris is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world, with over 30 million foreign visitors per year. Three of the most famous Parisian landmarks are the twelfth century cathedral Notre Dame de Paris on the Île de la Cité, the nineteenth century Eiffel Tower, and the Napoleonic Arc de Triomphe. The city's most prized museum is the Louvre, though there are dozens of other important ones.

Transfer using a local taxi (available and economical).

Enjoy the train ride from Bordeaux to Paris. Train time is approximately 3 hours and 30 mins. (non stop).

Discover Paris in a truly original and personalised manner aboard your very own 2CV. The 2CV, the quintessential symbol of the “French touch”, thanks to its convertible, soft top roof offers a magnificent panoramic view. You will be driven by a knowledgeable, English speaking chauffeur, and discover the most famous, beautiful and elegant monuments of Paris including: Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysées, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre, La Madeleine, Palais de l’Elysée, Invalides, Grand Palais, Opera Garnier, Place Vendôme, Notre-Dame de Paris, Champs de Mars, Musée d’Orsay, Ile de la Cité, Place de la Concorde, Trocadero and Petit Palais. The 2CV cars can hold up to 3 people. If there are more in your group additional cars will be arranged so you can travel in convoy. (Includes hotel pick up and drop off in central Paris). Consider a longer tour of 3 hours to see more gems in the city. Please speak to your Sales Advisor if you are interested in this.

The Quartier Latin Paris (3*) is located in the heart of the Latin quartier, just a few steps from the Mouffetard and Monge open-air market, also has direct access to the Opera, Galeries Lafayette and Printemps. The Saint Germain neighbourhood, the Sorbonne, Luxembourg gardens and Notre Dame cathedral are all nearby. The hotel is in a typical Parisian style building, and the interior is very airy with large windows and wooden furnishings and flooring. The tastefully decorated lobby offers a peaceful atmosphere, while the comfortable salon is the perfect place to relax and avail of the complimentary WIFI and tea and coffee.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Day 20 Paris

Discover Versailles Palace, the symbol of France's grandeur during the reign of the Sun King, Louis XIV.  You will be picked up at your Paris hotel in luxury air conditioned minibus with a professional interpreter-guide and whisked away to the famous palace.

Your guide will take you straight in without standing in line and lead you through the most beautiful rooms including the Royal Apartments, the Hall of Mirrors and the Queen’s private Apartment.

Then enjoy some free time to explore the palace gardens.  Please note that on "Special Musical Fountain" days (in summer: every Saturday and Sunday) there is an additional charge to visit the gardens (8€ per person, the entrance is not included).

Enjoy the many wonders of Paris. Consider taking a stroll down one of the many quays by the river Seine, or wandering around any of the fascinating neighbourhoods such as Montematre, the Marais or the Left bank. Of course there are a plethora of museums and galleries to choose from if you are so inclined. Consider getting a 2 Day Paris Pass that includes a Paris Transport Travel card for 2 days (zone 1-3) to see all of the sites that are of personal interest to you. The Paris Pass is a smartcard offering free access to 65 attractions in Paris such as the Louvre, the Arc de Triomphe, Orsay museum, Musee Rodin, commented cruise with Bateaux Parisiens and Pompidou museum. With this pass, you have access to 22 museums, 24 historical monuments, 15 art galleries, 3 tourist attractions, 1 cruise and special offers in shops and restaurants. Please contact your Advisor if you would like more details.

This evening, after being picked up from your central hotel by coach, you will be escorted by an assistant and transferred to the Eiffel Tower, where you can view Paris from the first floor during your own private dinner at the restaurant Eiffel Tower 58. Dinner includes an aperitif, three course dinner, coffee and your choice of either 1/2 bottle of wine, mineral water (50cl), a beer or soda. Your assistant will then help you board the boat for your cruise along the river Seine, while you admire the monuments and bridges of the city known as the 'City of Light'.

Overnight at Quartier Latin (3*) .

Day 21 Paris

Enjoy a private airport transfer in Paris in a private vehicle with a professional driver.

Kensington Tours donates a portion of proceeds to our charitable initiative www.kensingtoncares.com which supports education-based initiatives in disadvantaged communities.

Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary.

Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard).

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