France and Spain

Itinerary

Day 1 Paris

Picnic in the Jardin du Luxembourg, rub shoulders with chic Parisians in Les Halles or peruse Impressionist artworks at Musee d'Orsay.

Days 2-3 Tours

Travel by train to the Loire Valley. Enjoy a riverside bike ride then visit the chateau at Villandry, with its gorgeous traditional gardens.

Day 4 La Rochelle

Stroll through covered arcades and along the harbour front and perhaps dine on delicious fresh seafood.

Days 5-7 Dordogne Region

Spend the morning cycling past craggy cliffs and caves in the Vezere Valley to discover verdant meadows, tiny villages and prehistoric sites.

Days 8-9 Pyrenees

Trek through rugged mountain landscapes and experience the splendour of the Pyrenees.

Days 10-11 San Sebastian

Cross the border into Basque country. Hit the beach or the boutiques, and head to the Parte Vieja bars after dusk. Climb Mt Urgull for a panoramic view across Bahia de la Concha.

Days 12-13 Segovia

Walk through the ridge-top old town and discover the fairytale turrets of the Alcazar.

Days 14-16 Madrid/Toledo

Discover chic Spain in the capital and a glorious imperial past in the medieval streets of Toledo.

Day 17 Cordoba

Be captivated by the magnificent Mezquita, slurp some rustic salmorejo or pull up a stool at a tapas bar.

Days 18-19 Seville

Experience the duende of a flamenco performance in the home of this captivating art form.

Days 20-21 Costa de la Luz

Gambol on the beautiful beaches of the Costa de la Luz before a visit to the famous Rock of Gibraltar.

Days 22-23 Ronda

See the spectacular Puente Nuevo in the birthplace of bullfighting.

Days 24-25 Granada

Inspect the exquisite Islamic architecture of the Alhambra and enjoy a sunset over the mysterious Albayzin.

Days 26-27 Valencia

Experience the sights, sounds and smells of the early morning market in the purported home of the Holy Grail.

Days 28-29 Barcelona

Lose yourself in the magnificent museums, stunning architecture and non-stop nightlife or relax on the top of Montjuic as the sun sets over the city.