Paris to Marrakech

Bonjour! Welcome to France.

Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6pm on Day 1.

You can arrive at any time as there are no activities planned until this important meeting; please ask the hotel reception where it will take place. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform the hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader.

Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and fabulous food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and hidden treasures to discover. As there's no time for sightseeing in Paris we recommend you make arrangements to arrive a few days early to see the highlights of this beautiful city.

Optional Activities

Eiffel Tower, Paris - EUR12.00

Louvre Museum, Paris - EUR9.00

Musee d'Orsay, Paris - EUR8.00

Palace of Versailles, Paris - EUR13.50

Palace of Versailles gardens, Paris - Free

Paradis Latin cabaret show, Paris - EUR75.00

Arc de Triomphe, Paris - EUR9.00

Catacombs, Paris - EUR7.00

Centre Pompidou, Paris - EUR12.00

Napoleon's tomb, Paris - EUR8.00

Notre Dame towers, Paris - EUR7.50

Picasso Museum, Paris - EUR6.50

Rodin Museum, Paris - EUR6.00

Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie, Paris - EUR7.50

Da Vinci Code walking tour, Paris - EUR20.00

Fat Tires bike tour, Paris - EUR24.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Travel by train to Tours in the Loire Valley (approx 3 hrs).

Located between the Loire and Cher rivers, Tours is acclaimed as a 'town of art and history'. It's easy to see why as you explore the narrow streets, the outdoor cafes and bars in the main square, and the Rue Colbert and Rue Grand Marche, lined with gorgeous half-timbered houses.

Bicycles are a great way to explore the gentle countryside of the Loire and its magnificent historic chateaux. Enjoy a day's cycling and tour the Chateau Villandry with its beautiful 16th-century ornamental garden. The trip is a mostly flat 36 km. Please note that you'll need appropriate footwear (no flip-flops) to cycle in.

Included Activities

Chateaux Villandry & Gardens

Cycling tour

Optional Activities

Cathedrale St-Gatien, Tours - Free

Hot air balloon, Tours - EUR250.00

Musee des Beaux-Arts, Tours - EUR4.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Journey south by train to the small medieval town of Sarlat in the Dordogne region (approx 6 hrs), known for its rich cuisine, prehistoric history and relaxed pace of life. Time seems to have stood still in Sarat-la-Caneda with a slow winding river and a town so impeccably preserved that it still resembles its charming 14th century self.

Ensure to indulge in some of the many tasty local delicacies at a streetside cafe. Ask for a 'degustation' of truffles, Confit de Canard or a host of other seasonal specialities.

Paddle kayaks on the Dordogne River (approx 15km) and take in sights such as the Chateau de Beynac.

Included Activities

Kayaking, Sarlat

Optional Activities

La Roque-Gageac Troglodyte Fort, Dordogne - EUR5.00

Canoeing/Kayaking, Dordogne - EUR20.00

Gabarre tour, Dordogne - EUR8.00

Domme Caves, Dordogne - EUR8.00

Bike hire per day, Sarlat-la-Caneda - EUR20.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Travel by train to Bordeaux (approx 3 hrs).

The capital of the Gascony region, Bordeaux was once an important port and trading centre dating back to pre-Roman times. However, most of the architecture visible today dates from the 18th century, considered the golden age of Bordeaux. In fact, so harmonious and successful was the large-scale remodelling of Bordeaux in the 18th century that it was later used as the model for Baron Hausmann's architectural transformation of Paris in the Napoleonic era. Wandering round the graceful, carefully-planned streets is a delight.

Included Activities

Wine tasting Bordeaux

Optional Activities

Pey Berland Tower - Cathedale St Andre, Bordeaux - EUR5.00

CAPC Musee d'Art Contemporain, Bordeaux - Free

Musee des Beaux-Arts, Bordeaux - Free

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Head for the French Pyrenees and the spa town of Bagneres de Luchon by train and bus (approx 6 hrs).

The French Pyrenees stretch from the Atlantic to the Mediterranean and form a natural 450 km long barrier between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe. As well as their spectacular natural beauty, the Pyrenees are also famous for their thermal springs, where curistes (those seeking a cure) have been coming for hundreds of years. Luchon is one such spa town, and a great base for exploring the surrounding trails.

Located at the foot of the Pyrenees in a gorgeous valley, Luchon is a spa town with celebrated thermal springs and wonderful hikes up into the mountains.

Take to the hills for a day of hiking in the Pyrenees. Be prepared for some steep ascents, climbing up through the forest to a fantastic viewpoint of the mountain peaks (weather permitting). The scenery is truly alpine and absolutely breathtaking - don't forget your camera! Please note that you'll need appropriate footwear (sturdy trainers or light hiking boots) for this.

Included Activities

Hiking in the Pyrenees

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Travel by bus and train to San Sebastian (approx 7 hrs).

With its great beaches and vibrant old city, San Sebastian is a fantastic place to stroll along the promenade, shop and consume tapas to your heart's content, or just soak up the sun.

For a different perspective of the most central beach, La Concha, why not climb or catch a cable car to Monte Igueldo.

If you crave more culture, there's plenty of time to catch a local bus (approx 1 hr) down the road to Bilbao to visit the world-famous and architecturally awesome Guggenheim Museum.

Optional Activities

Aquarium, San Sebastian - EUR10.00

Catedral del Buen Pastor, San Sebastian - Free

Guggenheim Museum, San Sebastian - EUR10.50

Monte Igueldo cable car, San Sebastian - EUR3.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Travel by train and bus to the remarkable walled town of Segovia in the heart of mountainous Castile (approx 5.5 hrs).

With its stunning backdrop of mountains, twisting alleyways, the highest concentration of Romanesque churches in the world and delicious local cuisine, Segovia is atmospheric, photogenic and memorable.

Take a sightseeing walk of the World Heritage-listed old town, taking in the breathtaking and romantic Alcazar castle, an inspiration to Walt Disney, and where Queen Isabel met with Columbus before he set sail on the epic journey that lead to the discovery of the Americas.

You'll have some free time to explore. With the largest and best preserved Roman aqueduct of its kind anywhere in the world and a towering 16th century cathedral, there's plenty of history to discover here. For something different, there are two rivers bordering the medieval walls, and an extensive green belt park with miles of shaded walks.

Included Activities

Alcazar

Optional Activities

Casa de los Picos, Segovia - Free

City walls, Segovia - EUR1.50

Esteban Vicente Museum, Segovia - EUR2.40

Segovia Fortress, Segovia - EUR4.00

Segovia Museum, Segovia - EUR1.20

Zuloaga Museum, Segovia - EUR1.20

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Journey by train to Madrid (approx 1 hr).

Spain's capital is a city rich in history, architecture, museums, galleries, beautiful parks and, of course, a wild nightlife.

While away hours on the Paseo del Arte, or Art Walk, for a panoramic perspective of Western art history. Start with the Museo del Prado, one of the world's finest collections of European art from the 12th-19th centuries and an unmissable stop on any art tour. Discover modern Spanish masters, including Picasso and Dali, in the Museo Reina Sofia's 20th century collection. Finish with the Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, which spans eight centuries of European painting.

You can simply enjoy a coffee in one of the atmospheric streets and squares around the famous Plaza Mayor. At night head out to Chueca, Plaza Dos de Mayo or Plaza Santa Ana, where the pulse of the city will lead you from bar to bar on a night out you are sure to remember.

As this is a combination trip, your group leader and the composition of your group may change at this location. There will be a group meeting to discuss the next stage of your itinerary and you're welcome to attend, as this is a great chance to meet your new fellow travellers.

Optional Activities

Abono Paseo del Arte (3 museum combo voucher), Madrid - EUR17.60

Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza, Madrid - EUR8.00

Museo del Prado, Madrid - EUR8.00

Real Jardín Botánico, Madrid - EUR2.50

Museo Reina Sofia, Madrid - EUR6.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Head north-west by bus to the historical university town of Salamanca (approx 3.5 hrs).

Situated amongst beautiful pastures and rolling green hills on Spain's northern plateau, the rose-hued medieval town of Salamanca is a hidden gem. Its citizens speak the 'purest' Spanish in Spain - Castilian. This is why Salamanca is so popular with people from all over the world who want to learn the language. Salamanca is a real university city - Spanish students are everywhere and you can travel practically everywhere by foot.

Your leader will take you on a sightseeing walk where you can explore the central Plaza Mayor and discover the historic stone buildings that the city is known for. Plaza Mayor is a true centre of local life. Not only is it architecturally beautiful, but it buzzes with activity as locals meet and take coffee, tapas or cocktails on the square. Inspect some of the unique architecture, such as the distinctly decorated Casa de las Conchas (House of the Shells).

Salamanca is known for its many festivals and generally holds at least one every month of the year. They are big celebrators of music and entertainment, showing off traditional costume and fiestas in honour of ancient leaders of the city. Ask your leader about festivals taking place or research it in preparation for your trip so you don't miss out on the excitement!

Included Activities

Casa de Las Conchas

Optional Activities

Cathedrals rooftop, Salamanca - EUR4.00

Art Nouveau & Art Deco Museum, Salamanca - EUR3.00

Bullfighting Museum, Salamanca - EUR3.00

Unamuno House Museum, Salamanca - EUR1.80

Old Cathedral, Salamanca - EUR4.25

University of Salamanca, Salamanca - EUR4.00

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Head further west by bus and cross the border into Portugal to the laidback city of Coimbra (approx 5 hrs). A beautiful and ancient town, Coimbra features typical white stone with several excellent examples of colourful azulejos tiling. Some of the historical buildings were originally built in the 12th century, and you can find some of the best examples of Romanesque churches and elegant museums in Portugal.

Your leader will escort you on a walk to help you orientate yourself in the maze of alleyways. Half the fun of Coimbra is just to wander and explore.The region produces a major red wine that is distinctly known for its smooth texture, deep colour and rich brownish tone as it ages. Rose is among one of the most popular types of wine enjoyed alongside a platter of traditional yellow sausage - alheira - garnished with varieties of goats cheese. It is common for the culture to include piri piri (small fiery chillies) in traditional dishes, as well as cinnamon, vanilla and saffron, for intense flavours.

Experience the local tradition of fado - soulful, beautiful music that tells mournful tales of unrequited love or sailors lost at sea. Coimbra Fado is unique in that you'll also hear amusing student's tales about the struggles of academic life and the tyranny of their tutors, as well as serenades to be sung from underneath a lover's window. Performances are held daily in a lovely old chapel in the heart of the old town.

Kick back and relax on a short boat tour to take in the view of Coimbra from a different angle.

Head out into the countryside in search of ancient Roman ruins (approx 30 mins return by bus). The ruins of Conimbriga, from which the town of Coimbra got its name, are rich in mosaics and a great insight into ancient Roman life. Spend as little or as much time here as you like, as there are several options to return - including a walk through the countryside to the unspoilt rural town of Condeixa (approx 3 km).

There's also plenty of time to visit the university, one of the oldest in the world and situated in a former palace. With its ancient library, beautiful throne room turned assembly hall, and even student prison cells, there are many interesting tales and legends to be discovered here.

Included Activities

Fado performance

Optional Activities

Boat tour, Coimbra - EUR6.00

Conimbriga ruins, Coimbra - EUR5.00

Portugal Dos Pequenitos, Coimbra - EUR4.00

University of Coimbra, Coimbra - EUR5.00

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Take a train through the countryside of central Portugal to Lisbon (approx 3.5 hrs).

One of Europe's most pleasant and affordable capital cities, Lisbon combines the best elements of Portuguese life, offering fantastic architecture, a multicultural population, delicious seafood and non-stop nightlife.

Included is an orientation/sightseeing walk led by your group leader. Visit the medieval Citadel in the city centre. Lisbon is a city swarming with endless angular white houses and buildings with distinct red terracotta rooftops. From the citadel, this makes a sharply contrasting panorama when viewed against the deep blue of the sky and ocean.

Lisbon has a number of remarkable museums of modern and ancient art, such as Calouste Gulbenkian Museum, National Museum of Contemporary Art, National Coach Museum, and Carmo Archaeological Museum. However, Lisbon isn't all history and culture - Bairro Alto is the centre of the city's nightlife with various bars and restaurants where fado, traditional Portuguese music, can be enjoyed.

Try some braised squid or hot pickled pork at a local restaurant for an authentic native taste. For those not as daring, go for a green bean dish or a delicious bread-based dessert instead.Take a day trip into the mountainous region of Sintra, just 45 mins away by train. This starkly beautiful area offers great walking, stunning cliff-top palaces and unique Moorish architecture.

Included Activities

Citadel

Optional Activities

National Art Museum, Lisbon - EUR3.00

Folk Art Museum, Lisbon - EUR3.00

Gulbenkian Museum, Lisbon - EUR3.00

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Pension (2 nts)

The southern coastline of Portugal is known for its fertile plains, rich with orange and olive groves, fig trees, almonds and maize fields. Long beaches and hidden coves await us as we journey by bus to the Algarve (approx 5 hrs).

With a historical old town and stunning sunsets, our base in Olhao offers a more relaxed pace of life.

Visit some of the Algarve's lesser known areas with beautiful walking paths and golden sandy beaches.

Included Activities

Algarve beach excursion

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Leave Portugal for the hills of Andalucia, travelling by bus to the traditional and historic town of Jerez (approx 7 hrs). With its ancient Alcazar (Moorish fortress), beautiful eclectic cathedral and huge selection of high quality tapas bars, Jerez is an undiscovered jewel in the heart of Andalucia. Its most famous export is sherry, with the drink deriving its name from the town.

Enjoy a bodega tour and sample the sherries on offer.

Included Activities

Bodega tour and sherry tasting

Optional Activities

Alcazar, Jerez - EUR3.35

Moorish baths, Jerez - EUR1.35

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)

Travel by bus to the port town of Algeciras (approx 3 hrs), with its spectacular view of the Rock of Gibraltar. Board a ferry and cross the straits to the chaotic and buzzing city of Tangier (approx 1.5 hrs).

Travel by bus to Chefchaouen, which is in the centre of a mountainous agricultural region (approx 3 hrs). Chefchaouen lies beneath two mountain tops, known as Ech-Chaoua - 'the horns'. Chefchaouen means 'look at the horns'. It's among Morocco's most attractive towns and it's easy to appreciate the idyllic surroundings offered by this tranquil town. With its blue and white houses and evocative atmosphere, this is a wonderful place to chill out.

Ease into the relaxed pace of life in this rural retreat. Take a stroll through the ancient medina, go hiking in the Rif mountains or simply sit at a cafe and enjoy the pleasure of time passing by. This destination is popular for its shopping, as it offers many native handicrafts that are not available elsewhere in Morocco, such as wool garments and woven blankets. The goats' cheese on offer is also a popular treat enjoyed by many visitors.

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Take a public bus to Fes (approx 5 hrs). Fes is the most complete medieval city in the Arab world. The most ancient of Morocco's imperial cities, it exists suspended in time.

Consider a visit to the Palais Jamai for an evening drink. Watching the sun set over the huge medina whilst hundreds of prayer calls vie for attention is an experience you are likely to remember forever.

Included Activities

Guided walking tour Fes

Meals Included

2 Breakfasts

Accommodation

Hotel (2 nts)

Travel by train to Marrakech (approx 8 hrs).

Marrakech is a feast for the senses. Be enticed by the alluring scents and brilliant colours of the spice markets, the sounds of the musicians, the rich folds of carpets, delectable foods, acrobats and perfumed gardens.

Head off and explore the amazing Medina. Come evening the Djemaa el Fna transforms with huge crowds converging to see the singers, drummers, dancers, snake charmers, fortune tellers, storytellers, jugglers and even old medicine men, who together make up what has been dubbed the greatest spectacle on earth. An al fresco dinner at one of the many stalls is also on the cards.

See the Koutoubia Mosque and its superb minaret - famous throughout the world as one of the greatest minarets and the 'sister' to the Giralda in Seville.

Go to the Palais Bahia, a superb example of Muslim architecture.

Explore the ruins of the Palais Badi, reputedly one of the most beautiful palaces in the world in its time.

Visit the Saadian tombs - a recently uncovered gem of the Medina.

All of the above can be a challenge to locate, but that is all a part of the experience of exploring the phenomenal medinas of Morocco! As we only have a short time here in Marrakech, if you really want to explore this fascinating city we suggest you stay for a few extra nights.

There are no activities planned for the final day and you are able to depart our accommodation at any time. Please check the 'Finishing Point Hotel' section for checkout times and luggage storage possibilities.

Optional Activities

Saadien Tombs, Marrakech - MAD20.00

Hamam (public baths), Marrakech - MAD200.00

Henna tattooing, Todra Gorge - MAD50.00

Meals Included

1 Breakfast

Accommodation

Hotel (1 nt)