In the morning we will depart from Paris to arrive at the heart of the Provence, "Avignon," in the evening. This region of France is very diverse with lively cities, winding mountains that will change its distinct views depending on the season of the year.

 

We will start the day in Avignon visiting the two must see landmarks. The Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, the broken bridge which is also know as Pont d’Avignon. The palace dates to the 14th century, with the support from the King of France the Roman church moved its capital thus making Avignon the second religious capital of the Roman-Catholic church.

In the afternoon we will depart to visit Gordes, famous from A Year in Provence, the book, written by Peter Mayle. The village of Gordes is made of limestone dating back to 1525 with its buildings rooting themselves into the steep cliff giving the village town its other names; the Stone City and the City in the Sky. The village is considered by the Association des plus villages de France one of France’s most beautiful villages.

Afterwards we will have a short stay at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque which Catholic Cistercian originate from and the story background of the book A Year in Provence.

Overnight stay in Avignon or city nearby.

Please note：Lavender is a seasonal plant which blooms from July till the beginning of August affected by climate, growth and harvesting periods, therefore we are unable to guarantee whether clients will see fresh lavender！

 

In the morning we will drive to Arles. The small town is famous because the well-known Dutch master of Impressionism, Vincent van Gogh, whom lived in the sanatorium of Arles from 1888 – 1889. Although Van Gogh stayed for only one year, that single year is considered the most productive period of his life. He painted more than two hundred oil paintings during his stay in Arles. Creating his world-renowned art pieces; The Langlois Bridge at Arles and The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum. It is a true unique experience to visit town and see what the Dutch master saw himself over a century ago. Other than enjoying the village's connection with Van Gogh there are many ancient Roman ruins to behold. Arles has been listed as a key city since ancient Roman times.

In the afternoon we will leave Arles for the charming coastal city of Barcelona.

If time permits, upon arrival, everyone can participate in an optional program to visit the Olympic Beach.

Overnight stay in Barcelona or city nearby.

In the morning, embark on a self-paid group activity and drive to the mountainous area to visit the "Montserrat Monastery,"Located on the famous Catalan Mountain. The well-known abbey is the most important religious shrine in Catalonia. The monastery is home to La Moreneta, the black Madonna. The black-faced Madonna statue holding the holy child in her lap is the guardian of the spirit and soul of the local people.

In the afternoon, explore the vibrant and charming city of Barcelona. The attractions include the Columbus Monument and La Rambla. Continue to visit the iconic Sagrada Familia, the masterpiece of the architectural genius Antoni Gaudí, known as the "architect poet." Afterward, visit the exterior of Camp Nou, the famous football stadium, for photos and souvenir shopping. Then, proceed to Montjuïc Hill to visit the Olympic Stadium, which hosted the 1992 Olympic Games. From the hill, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. The remaining time is free for leisure activities at the bustling Catalunya Square. Return to the hotel after dinner. Overnight stay in Barcelona or city nearby

Reservation visit time: 15:00 - 15:30. Due to limited daily access control in Sagrada Família church, and to avoid disappoint, we recommend customer who strongly request to visit this place to book tickets online in advance on www.sagradafamilia.org.

 

After check in and boarding at Plaza Catalunya, we depart Barcelona and drive to beautiful Valencia, Spain's third largest city. Upon arrival, we will visit the Modernisme Plaza of the City Hall of Valencia, the Ancient City Gates and the grand Valencia Cathedral, where you can see the true Holy Grail. Accommodations for the evening are in or near Alicante.

 

In the morning, you depart for the city of Granada on the plateau of the Andalusian province.

This historic city has been ruled by the Visigoths and Arabs. It became the last stronghold of the Arab dynasty during its eight-hundred-year-long rule of the Iberian Peninsula. In the 15th century, King Ferdinand successfully expelled the Arabs and managed to unite Spain. You will have a picture moment in front of the Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace, also known as the Red Palace.

Then you will continue to tour the old city of Granada, with its exquisite and delicate architecture.

 

In the morning, we go northbound to the largest city of the autonomous community of Andalusia, Seville. This city was the capital of the Muslim dynasty, considered to be the guardian angel of culture in Andalusia and the birthplace of the flamenco dance. Seville is the primary setting of many operas, the best known of which is Bizet's Carmen. As the fourth largest city in Spain, it has hosted the World's Fair in 1992. Upon arrival, we visit Seville Cathedral, the largest Gothic cathedral and the third-largest church in the world. Its completion was back to the early 16th century and now the cathedral halls are dedicated as Royal Chapel, the burial place of the kings' mausoleum for over a century, also the tomb of Christopher Columbus who discovered the New World as a credit to the great navigator.

From there onwards we see the Alcázar of Seville, used to be a Muslim palace and the Spanish Royal Palace. The upper levels of the Alcázar are still used by the royal family as the official Seville residence, which is the oldest royal palace still in use in Europe and was registered in 1987 by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, along with the Seville Cathedral.

Then we walk through the Santa Cruz, Torre del Oro (the Tower of Gold) and Maria Luisa Park, here the 1992 World Expo was located. In Plaza de España (Spain Square), we can admire a crafted porcelain painting, detailing the history and elegance of old Spain.

 

On the day we'll visit Lisbon, the Portugal's capital and largest city. We'll make a special stop at Cabo da Roca (Cape Roca), then head to Lisbon city center to visit Belem Tower and Jeronimos Monastery. We'll pass through Marquis of Pombal Square and then stop at Rossio Square for some free time.

 

We'll drive back to Madrid via Toledo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1986. We'll visit the grand structure of Toledo Cathedral overlooking the Alcazar of Toledo. Later, take a well-earned rest. Sit back and take in the breathtaking landscapes of Spain while we make our way back to Madrid.

 

We begin our day with a sightseeing tour of Madrid, the capital of Spain. From the motorcoach you will see Cibeles Fountain, Plaza Mayor, Plaza de Espana, Plaza de Colon, and the Royal Palace of Madrid, ultimately arriving at Puerta del Sol. Later in the afternoon, we'll say farewell to Madrid and drive to Zaragoza.

 

From the hotel in or near Zaragoza we'll drive to Barcelona, where you will see the Columbus Monument, La Rambla, and Sagrada Familia from the exterior. Then it's time for Camp Nou, the FC Barcelona, Football Stadium (admission not included). Afterward we'll visit Estadi Olimpic Lluis Companys, the main stadium for the 1992 Summer Olympics, at Montjuic.