Small Group Journey: France & Spain
Incredible 17 day multi-country escorted tour
Get ready for a once-in-a-lifetime trip on this spectacular small group tour of both France and Spain! You'll get to see the highlights of both countries with like-minded travelers (max 21 people) with a professional guide while staying in centrally-located 4-star hotels. Enjoy tours of top rated attractions and off-the-beaten-path sights, indulge in local cuisine with included tastings and meals, and relax with comfortable transportation between each destination.
Our Small Group Journeys provide many extra benefits, including:
- Limited to 21 people
- Guaranteed departures
- Centrally-located, 4-star hotels
- Extra nights in each city (less unpacking!)
- More free time and flexibility
- Stress-free with transportation, accommodations, tours and more included
What's Included
AIRFARE:- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Paris (CDG) and out of Barcelona (BCN)
- One-way economy class airfare from Nice (NCE) to Madrid (MAD)
HOTELS: You will be in the following 4-star hotels, or similar:
- 3 nights in Paris at Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, an IHG Hotel
- 2 nights in Beaune (Burgundy) at Novotel Beaune Hotel or Mercure Beaune Centre
- 3 nights in Nice at Hotel Aston La Scala, Hotel Nice Beau Rivage or Hotel West End
- 3 nights in Madrid at Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque
- 2 nights in Valencia at Hotel Dwo Valencia
-
3 nights in Barcelona at Hotel HCC St. Moritz (including local Barcelona city tax)
SIGHTSEEING/TOURS as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Full-day Paris guided tour including entrance to the Louvres Museum and the Eiffel Tower (8 hours)
- Half-day Palace of Versailles tour (4 hours)
- Burgundy tour with wine tasting
- Full-day tour to Eze & Monaco (8 hours)
- Half-day tour to Cannes (4 hours)
- Guided Madrid city tour with entrance to Royal Palace
- Guided Madrid tapas tour dinner
- Guided Toledo city tour - enroute from Madrid to Valencia
- Guided Valencia city tour
- Guided Barcelona city tour with entrance to Olympic Stadium and Teleferic de Montjuic (Barcelona Cable Car)
- Guided Gaudi tour in Barcelona with entrance to La Sagrada Familia
MEALS:
- Breakfast daily
- Hosted welcome dinner in Paris (3 course set menu meal, excluding drinks)
- Lunch in a chateau – enroute from Paris to Burgundy
- Farewell dinner in Nice (3 course set menu meal, excluding drinks)
- Welcome drink upon arrival at Madrid hotel
- Guided Madrid tapas tour dinner (as noted above)
- Farewell dinner with drinks in Barcelona at a restaurant with a sea view
TRANSPORTATION/GUIDES:
- Arrival airport transfer from Paris Airport to hotel
- Services of a professional touring guide for 5 days in France (Days 4-8) with vehicle/driver
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Nice Airport
- Arrival airport transfer from Madrid Airport to hotel
- Services of a professional Tour Director and Driver throughout your Spain tour
- Local guides for individual tours in Spain as described above
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Barcelona Airport
Not Included:
- Porterage
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above
- Gratuity for driver and guides
Great Ways to Explore
-
Enjoy entry to the iconic Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and other attractions in Paris.
Drink in the beauty of the Burgundy region with a wine tasting, and explore the seaside beauty of Nice!
-
Get the best of both worlds with included tours/meals plus enough free time to explore/dine at your leisure.
-
Indulge in delicious Spanish cuisine like paella and patatas bravas.
-
Embrace the amazing architecture of Barcelona and wander the famous Park Güell.
Enjoy the luxuries of a stress-free vacation while venturing through France and Spain on this 16-night small group journey including 4-star hotels, tours, transportation, and some meals. Complete with enough free time to explore each city at your leisure, this is truly the best way to travel!
You'll begin in Paris, visiting all the best sights including the Louvres Museum (home to the Mona Lisa), the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and more. Afterward, you'll head to the beautiful region of Burgundy, known for its cuisine and exquisite wine. The last leg of the France portion of your vacation will end in Nice, where you can soak up stunning views of the French Riviera. You'll enjoy tours of the medieval hillside village of Eze, the luxurious Principality of Monaco (home of the famous Monaco Grand Prix), as well as Cannes, home to the iconic international film festival.
When you're finished experiencing the highlights of France, you'll take a comfortable flight to Madrid and spend the second half of this once in a lifetime trip in Spain! You'll get to explore the vibrant city of Madrid, marvel at panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, and experience the magic of Barcelona. Indulge in spectacular Spanish tapas and sangria, make pit stops in off-the-beaten path attractions, and get to know each city like a local with a professional guide by your side.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
- Roundtrip economy class airfare into Paris (CDG) and out of Barcelona (BCN)
- One-way economy class airfare from Nice (NCE) to Madrid (MAD)
HOTELS: You will be in the following 4-star hotels, or similar:
- 3 nights in Paris at Crowne Plaza Paris - Republique, an IHG Hotel
- 2 nights in Beaune (Burgundy) at Novotel Beaune Hotel or Mercure Beaune Centre
- 3 nights in Nice at Hotel Aston La Scala, Hotel Nice Beau Rivage or Hotel West End
- 3 nights in Madrid at Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque
- 2 nights in Valencia at Hotel Dwo Valencia
-
3 nights in Barcelona at Hotel HCC St. Moritz (including local Barcelona city tax)
SIGHTSEEING/TOURS as described in the itinerary, including the following:
- Full-day Paris guided tour including entrance to the Louvres Museum and the Eiffel Tower (8 hours)
- Half-day Palace of Versailles tour (4 hours)
- Burgundy tour with wine tasting
- Full-day tour to Eze & Monaco (8 hours)
- Half-day tour to Cannes (4 hours)
- Guided Madrid city tour with entrance to Royal Palace
- Guided Madrid tapas tour dinner
- Guided Toledo city tour - enroute from Madrid to Valencia
- Guided Valencia city tour
- Guided Barcelona city tour with entrance to Olympic Stadium and Teleferic de Montjuic (Barcelona Cable Car)
- Guided Gaudi tour in Barcelona with entrance to La Sagrada Familia
MEALS:
- Breakfast daily
- Hosted welcome dinner in Paris (3 course set menu meal, excluding drinks)
- Lunch in a chateau – enroute from Paris to Burgundy
- Farewell dinner in Nice (3 course set menu meal, excluding drinks)
- Welcome drink upon arrival at Madrid hotel
- Guided Madrid tapas tour dinner (as noted above)
- Farewell dinner with drinks in Barcelona at a restaurant with a sea view
TRANSPORTATION/GUIDES:
- Arrival airport transfer from Paris Airport to hotel
- Services of a professional touring guide for 5 days in France (Days 4-8) with vehicle/driver
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Nice Airport
- Arrival airport transfer from Madrid Airport to hotel
- Services of a professional Tour Director and Driver throughout your Spain tour
- Local guides for individual tours in Spain as described above
- Departure airport transfer from hotel to Barcelona Airport
Not Included:
- Porterage
- Entrance fees/meals other than those mentioned above
- Gratuity for driver and guides
-
Enjoy entry to the iconic Louvre Museum, Eiffel Tower, and other attractions in Paris.
Drink in the beauty of the Burgundy region with a wine tasting, and explore the seaside beauty of Nice!
-
Get the best of both worlds with included tours/meals plus enough free time to explore/dine at your leisure.
-
Indulge in delicious Spanish cuisine like paella and patatas bravas.
-
Embrace the amazing architecture of Barcelona and wander the famous Park Güell.
Enjoy the luxuries of a stress-free vacation while venturing through France and Spain on this 16-night small group journey including 4-star hotels, tours, transportation, and some meals. Complete with enough free time to explore each city at your leisure, this is truly the best way to travel!
You'll begin in Paris, visiting all the best sights including the Louvres Museum (home to the Mona Lisa), the Eiffel Tower, the Palace of Versailles and more. Afterward, you'll head to the beautiful region of Burgundy, known for its cuisine and exquisite wine. The last leg of the France portion of your vacation will end in Nice, where you can soak up stunning views of the French Riviera. You'll enjoy tours of the medieval hillside village of Eze, the luxurious Principality of Monaco (home of the famous Monaco Grand Prix), as well as Cannes, home to the iconic international film festival.
When you're finished experiencing the highlights of France, you'll take a comfortable flight to Madrid and spend the second half of this once in a lifetime trip in Spain! You'll get to explore the vibrant city of Madrid, marvel at panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea in Valencia, and experience the magic of Barcelona. Indulge in spectacular Spanish tapas and sangria, make pit stops in off-the-beaten path attractions, and get to know each city like a local with a professional guide by your side.
Please note that some recommendations in the following suggested itinerary may not be included in your package. Check What's Included above for full details on inclusions.
Departure Airport:
Departure Month:
Prices From:
Day 1. Welcome to Paris!
Arrive at CDG airport and catch your transfer to the hotel. Unpack and settle in before your get-to-know-you welcome dinner that includes a three-course meal. Afterward, enjoy your first night in one of the most exquisite cities in the world – Paris.
Transfer from airport to hotel
Check-in - Crowne Plaza Paris Republique Hotel
Welcome to the Crowne Plaza Paris Republique Hotel! This elegant hotel is located moments away from the trendy Marais district and is just 40 minutes away from Charles de Gaulle Airport. Visitors can enjoy close access to various shopping centers, world-class opera at the Palais Garnier, and selections of modern art at the Centre Pompidou.
Within the hotel, visitors can utilize the 24-hour fitness center, a marketplace to purchase snacks and beverages, as well as meeting rooms for those on business trips. Guestrooms and suites are equipped with stylish bathrooms and Italian showers. Some rooms also have courtyard views, and all suites are located in dedicated Quiet Zones that allow visitors to work or sleep in peace. Guest are also able to Indulge in meals that are provided at the Le Dix Restaurant onsite. Overall, this wonderful hotel is a great option for those visiting Paris!
Day 2. Paris
Get ready for a full day of touring Paris! You'll depart with your private English-speaking tour guide to learn about Paris’ architectural heritage while visiting the main districts and squares. You'll visit the Louvre Museum, located in the regal Louvre Palace and home to the famous Mona Lisa; it is the largest and most visited museum in the world!
Then, you'll see many of the other top attractions in Paris like the Place de l’Opera Garnier, Place de la Concorde, Musee d’Orsay, and more! After a late lunch, finish your tour with breathtaking views of Paris' buildings and monuments from the iconic Eiffel Tower.
The Louvre in Paris
Day 3. Paris
After breakfast, you'll leave the hotel with your private guide to start your day with a visit to the Palace of Versailles. The palace housed Kings Louis XIV, Louis XV, and Louis XVI of France from 1682 until the French Revolution of 1789. There’s so much to admire, starting with the building’s Baroque architecture, works of art, and beautiful furniture that was created by some of the greatest craftsmen in history. After the palace tour, enjoy a walk through the palace’s beautiful gardens.
The afternoon and evening are yours to enjoy the end of your time in Paris however you'd like.
Palace of Versailles
Day 4. Paris - Beaune (Burgundy)
Enjoy breakfast before checking out of the hotel to meet your private guide and continue your journey to the Burgundy region. On the way, you'll stop for a 3-course lunch in a beautiful French castle.
Burgundy is loved by gourmets and wine lovers, but is also adored by nature-enthusiasts. It is known throughout the world for its esteemed vineyards and cuisine. Filled with peaceful bocages, beautiful forests, rivers, and large lakes, there is no shortage of breathtaking views! Enjoy the afternoon and evening at leisure in the beautiful walled town of Beaune, your home for the next 2 nights.
Transfer from Paris to Beaune (Burgundy)
Novotel Beaune Hotel was renovated at the start of 2019. It is an excellent choice hotel for those wishing to explore the capital of Burgundy wines! Guest rooms are equipped with free WiFi, television, minibar, and more. The hotel's restaurant, Wine Please!, serves French cuisine. The bar is a perfect place for sipping a cocktail after a busy day. Swim in the pool, relax by the gardens, and enjoy the comforts of Novotel Beaune Hotel.
Elegant in its design with contemporary and professional spacing, the 4-star Mercure Beaune Centre Hotel is the perfect accommodation for anyone wanting to explore the beautiful Beaune region. At the Mercure Beaune Centre Hotel, you can take advantage of numerous lounging areas where you can sit and relax after a day of exploring. Guests can enjoy delicious French cuisine served à la carte style at the hotels on-site M7 Restaurant. Adults may also enjoy the hotel's bar and wine tasting booth! An outdoor swimming pool is also open to guests on a seasonal basis.
Guest rooms are air-conditioned and neatly organized to suit your needs. A private bathroom, desk, coffee/tea maker, LCD satellite TV, and luxury bath amenities are included in each guest space.
Staying at the Mercure Beaune Centre Hotel means you're just a few minutes away from the city's main area and ramparts. You'll also be right next to the Hospices de Beaune and other popular attractions. The hotel's location makes it very easy to explore the walled city of Beaune, famous for its intricate architecture and expertise in wine.
Day 5. Beaune (Burgundy)
Meet your tour guide after breakfast to visit more of the Burgundy region! The Route des Grands Crus crosses the most prestigious part of Burgundy between Dijon and Beaune, and is the prime tourist route you’ll be exploring. This tour combines French culture, beautiful sights, and of course a wine tasting! Continue your incredible adventure and discover all the dazzling abundance of the area, then rest back at the hotel to refuel for tomorrow or continue exploring Beaune on your own.
Vineyard in Burgundy
Day 6. Beaune (Burgundy) - Nice
Enjoy a final breakfast in Burgundy and check out of your hotel, then meet your tour guide for a full day journey to Nice. While leaving the Rhone-Alpes area, you will get to experience the Provence Alpes Cote d’Azur which offers you the beauty of the sea, mountains, and culture of Provence. Later on, you'll stop along the way for lunch before concluding your day as you arrive in Nice. Relax for the evening before your full day tour tomorrow.
Transfer from Beaune (Burgundy) to Nice
Located in the heart of Nice only 5 minutes from the beach, the 4-star Hotel Aston La Scala Nice overlooks the Promenade du Paillon, Old Town and Fountain. You'll be only a 2-minute walk to the Place Massena and a 5-minute tram ride to the Congress center Acropolis. Each of the 149 rooms feature premium bedding, minibars and soundproofed windows. Take a dip in the rooftop pool and enjoy a drink at Le Moon Bar with breathtaking views of the Old Town. Dine on fresh seafood at Le Restaurant l’Horloge with a heated terrace before exploring all that Nice has to offer.
Set in a 19th century townhouse, the Hotel Beau Rivage was renovated and redesigned in 2004 by French architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. Complimentary newspapers are available in the lobby. The Les Galets restaurant serves hot and cold breakfast buffets daily (surcharge). La Plage is an outdoor beach restaurant open from April to October. Light lunches, dinners, cocktails and wine are served in Le Bar. The hotel's private pebbled beach is open from April to October and offers umbrellas, sun loungers and towels.
Built in 1842, the Hotel West End Nice is a jewel of the Belle Epoque and is ideally located on the famous Promenade des Anglais, 5 minutes from the old town and 10 minutes from the Palais des Congres and the airport. The 4-star hotel provides guests with a perfect blend of Belle Epoque tradition, hotel expertise and a solicitous welcome.
Each of the 121 rooms feature Wi-Fi, TVs and minibars, while upgraded rooms have ocean views. Take a seat on a red velvet banquette and enjoy a fine Mediterranean-inspired meal at Restaurant Le Siècle. In the summer, meals can be enjoyed on the terrace of the restaurant. Quench your thirst with a cocktail in the cosy "Old British" bar with warm lighting and wood paneling on the walls.
Day 7. Nice
Wake up and get excited for a full day exploring the beautiful French Riviera! First up is the medieval village of Eze, perched 430 meters above sea level. Located 12 kilometers from Nice, the village is tucked away into the cliffs that overlook the Mediterranean between Nice and Monaco. On your way back down to the coast, you’ll get to discover the second smallest country in the world, Monaco! Monaco is also the wealthiest country in the world per square meter, and hosts one of the most illustrious motor-races in the world: The Monaco Grand Prix. Head back to your hotel in Nice for a relaxing evening after a day of adventure!
Aerial View of Monaco
Day 8. Nice
After breakfast, you'll meet your guide for a half-day tour of Cannes, home to the famous international film festival and the flagship city of the Côte d'Azur. While you’re there, you will get to explore the oldest district of Cannes, Suquet, where you can enjoy a walk on Boulevard de la Croisette.
Spend the rest of your day in Nice however you would like, then get ready for a three-course dinner with your travel group. Toast to the new friends and memories you've made before hitting the town to enjoy one final night in France.
Tourist Overlooking Cannes
Day 9. Nice - Madrid
Your small group travel in France has come to an end, as today, you're off to Spain for the second half of this amazing vacation! You'll be transferred to the airport, have a comfortable flight to Madrid, and then enjoy a transfer to your hotel. Toast to the start of your Spain adventure with your first-night complimentary drink.
Transfer from hotel to Nice Airport
Fly to Madrid
Transfer from Madrid Airport to hotel
Check-in - Sercotel Gran Hotel Conde Duque
Step into elegance and luxury at this gorgeous hotel in magical Madrid. Upon arrival, admire the sophisticated decor that fills the impressive lobby. Check-in with the friendly 24-hour reception team, then find your way up to your stylish room. Open your door to crisp air conditioning, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, and comfortable bedding.
Once you're all settled in, work all your stresses away in the fitness center! Why not cozy up with a warm drink in the charming Tea Room? Located just 1 mile from Madrid's most famous landmarks and just steps from San Bernardo Metro Station, this hotel brings you the best of the city!
Day 10. Madrid
After a hearty breakfast, head out on your private tour with a local guide. You'll get to see the Royal Palace (entrance is included), the Sabatini Gardens, and Campo del Moro. Learn about the church of San Francisco El Grande, the fountains of Paseo del Prado, the Toledo Bridge, the Prado Museum, and Puerta de Alcalá.
Utilize the rest of the afternoon to explore the city at your own pace.
The Royal Palace, Madrid, Spain
Day 11. Madrid
In the morning, enjoy breakfast at the hotel before heading out to discover more highlights of Madrid at your leisure.
Later, enjoy a tapas tour and experience the Spanish culture, accompanied by a local person, who will be pointing out the lesser-known cultural details throughout the tour. You will find bars, taverns, and even entire neighborhoods, specializing in tapas. You'll get to sample various "small plates" at a traditional tavern.
Spanish Paella and Tapas
Day 12. Madrid - Toledo - Valencia
Today you will head out to the seaside town of Valencia. On the way, you will stop in Toledo for a city tour. Toledo is known as the “city of the three cultures” because Christians, Muslims, and Jewish people have lived there together for centuries. Behind its walls, Toledo preserves its artistic and cultural legacy in the form of churches, palaces, fortresses, mosques, and synagogues. The whole city is an incredible museum!
Enjoy your free evening in Valencia tonight.
Transfer from Madrid to Valencia (with stop in Toledo)
Check-in - Hotel DWO Valencia
Centrally situated in the historic heart of Valencia, Hotel DWO Valencia is just a 30-minute walk from the Valencia Cathedral and Malvarossa Beach. Additionally, the hotel is less than 2000 feet away from the Ayora Metro Station. Surrounded by gardens, this accommodation is equipped with large, air-conditioned rooms that feature free Wi-Fi and a television.
All rooms boast modern decor and smart wooden floors as well as a mini-bar, a safe, a private bathroom, and a hairdryer. Guests are within close proximity of various attractions including the Parque de las Camelias and the Fallas Museum.
Day 13. Valencia
Today you'll enjoy a guided tour of Valencia. There are few cities in the world like this one, able to harmoniously combine the remnants of its past, dating back to the year 138BC, with the most innovative and avant-garde buildings from the new millennium.
Valencia has historically been Spain’s Mediterranean port and has that special charm of cities that are also seaports. The city tour will cover Plaza de la Reina, Cathedral (exterior), Plaza de la Virgen, Plaza Redonda, Plaza del Patriarca, front of the Palacio del Marqués de Dos Aguas, Plaza Ayuntamiento, Lonja, and Central Market.
Utilize the rest of the day to explore the city at your own pace.
Plaza de la Reina, Spain
Day 14. Valencia - Barcelona
After a delicious breakfast, board your coach and enjoy the ride to
your final destination. Once you arrive in Barcelona, spend the rest of
the day exploring the area and indulging in delicious Spanish cuisine.
Transfer from Valencia to Barcelona
Check-in - HCC St. Moritz Hotel
This historic Barcelona hotel, built in 1883 and recently renovated, offers all the comforts of the 21st century and the classical ambiance of the 19th. Located just steps from the posh Passeig de Gracia, one of Barcelona's most famous shopping streets, the HCC St. Moritz is a the perfect retreat from the bustling city.
Head up to your comfortable room, where you'll find free Wi-Fi, crisp air conditioning, plush beds, and much more. When you get hungry, look no further than the HCC St. Moritz's very own St. Gallen restaurant, serving up Mediterranean fresh-produce cuisine. After dinner, unwind on the terrace with a cocktail!
Day 15. Barcelona
Enjoy a guided city tour of Barcelona today! The tour starts at your hotel, heading to the Port and Olympic Village. After, you'll ascend Montjuic via cable car, where you'll admire a panorama of the city and port from the highest mirador in the city.
Visit the beach of Barcelona, called La Barceloneta. The next stop will be Paseo de Gracia, widely considered the most elegant area of Barcelona with its modernist buildings. Finally, enjoy some free time for shopping at the famous Ramblas de Barcelona.
Montjuic, Barcelona, Spain
Day 16. Barcelona
Today is the final full day of your escorted journey through Spain. Enjoy your included tour where you'll learn all about Gaudi and Modernist Architecture. Visit the Sagrada Familia temple, one of the highlights of Barcelona, and a masterpiece of the brilliant architect Gaudi.
This evening, attend a farewell dinner with your group. Enjoy famous Spanish paella with stunning views from a wonderful terrace overlooking the sea.
Cathedral La Sagrada Familia, Barcelona, Spain
Day 17. Depart Barcelona
Your incredible 17-day small group journey through France and Spain has sadly come to an end – it's time to have one last breakfast at the hotel and then take your transfer to the airport.