9 Days Madrid to Paris.
Highlights Include: Madrid, San Sebastián, Bordeaux, and Paris
Europe is renowned for its exquisite and diverse cuisine but Spain and France, in particular, are famous the world over for their gastronomic excellence. This mouth-watering tour allows you to meet some of the great artisans of cuisine and sample some of the wonderful delicacies and fine wines for which these countries are so distinguished, whilst learning more about the cultures that surround them.
Food & Wine of Spain & France
DAY 1 ARRIVE IN MADRID, SPAIN: Begin your tour this evening with a traditional dinner of roast lamb. Overnight in Madrid. (D)
DAY 2 MADRID: Begin your day with a guided visit to the unforgettable Prado Museum. One of Madrid’s main attractions for many visitors, the gallery houses remarkable works by Spain’s three great masters: Goya, Velázquez and El Greco. Continue with an exploration of the opulent Royal Palace where grand rooms are filled with an eclectic wealth of art treasures, antiques and an impressive collection of clocks. From here it is only a short walk to the historic districts around the Plaza Mayor and the marvelous San Miguel market which has been transformed into a mouth-watering ensemble of Tapas bars and shops. Sample some of these wonderful delicacies for lunch before spending an afternoon at leisure. (B/L)
DAY 3 LA RIOJA REGION / SAN SEBASTIÁN: Travel north to San Sebastián through the world-renowned La Rioja region, stopping in Haro to visit the Dinastia Wine Museum, a must for any wine enthusiast. The elegant resort town of San Sebastián is a center for gastronomy; join your guide this evening for a stroll through the Old Town where each bar specializes in different Pintxos dishes. Sample a delicious selection from ‘bacalao’ (cod) and wild mushrooms to every kind of ham and sausage imaginable. Overnight in San Sebastián. (B/D)
DAY 4 GIZPUKOA PROVINCE: Drive to Gipuzkoa to privately visit the unique Chillida Leku Museum which opened in 2000. The museum and sculpture garden display the works of Basque artist Eduardo Chillida: the beautifully tranquil landscape is home to over 40 sculptures while the indoor museum houses the artist’s early works. Continue to Getaria, known as the kitchen of the Gipuzkoa province because of the many restaurants and taverns found here. Stroll the streets of this pretty fishing village and enjoy a special lunch at one of the numerous ‘asadors’, restaurants known for cooking in open wire mesh baskets on outdoor grills. (B/L)
DAY 5 BASSIN D’ARCACHON / BORDEAUX: Journey into France this morning and stop at the huge bay, the Bassin d’Arcachon, home to centuries-old oyster farms. Stroll among the colorful ‘cabanes’ (huts), meeting the local farmers who are only too keen to share their passion for this fascinating tradition and, of course, offer you a sample. Arriving in Bordeaux, enjoy a brief guided walking tour of the town including the elegant Place de la Bourse, Place du Parlement & the 13th-century Cathedral of St André. (B/D)
DAY 6 WINE REGION OF BORDEAUX: Driving along the ‘Route du Médoc’ today, allow our expert guide to introduce you to the magnificent landscape of this traditional wine-growing land. With more than 800 ‘crus’ and 8 ‘appellations d’origine contrôlées’, this area produces some of the world’s most renowned wines. Learn more about the skillful cultivation of these fine wines during a cellar tour and special wine tasting at one of the region’s top estates. (B/L)
DAY 7 BORDEAUX / PARIS: Board the high-speed train to Paris this morning before enjoying a delightful panoramic tour of the ‘City of Lights’. See some of the most iconic Parisian sights including the Eiffel Tower, Arc de Triomphe, and the Champs Elysées. Continuing to Ile de la Cité, admire the imposing yet beautiful Notre Dame Cathedral. (B/D)
DAY 8 PARIS: Visit the world-famous Louvre with your guide this morning and admire some of the world’s true masterpieces such as the Mona Lisa and the Venus de Milo. The city of Paris is renowned for its cuisine, so continue your day by exploring the gourmet sites of Paris on a mouth-watering walking tour which includes plenty of opportunities to sample the city’s irresistible traditional pastries and chocolate. This evening enjoy a farewell dinner. (B/D)
DAY 9 PARIS / USA: Transfer to the Paris airport to board your home-bound flight. (B)
Customize to Suit
The above suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Inclusions
- 8 nights’ accommodation in 4- or 5-Star hotels: 2 nights in Madrid, 2 nights in San Sebastián, 2 nights in Bordeaux and 2 nights in Paris
- 16 meals (8 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 5 dinners)
- Regional wines with all dinners
- The tantalizing San Miguel Market in Madrid
- An evening of Pintxos in San Sebastian
- Meet the local oyster fishermen in Bassin d’Arcachon
- A wine-tasting at a top wine estate in Bordeaux
- Mouth-watering food walk around Paris
- Expert guiding by local food specialists for all sightseeing detailed in the itinerary
- Services of a professional Tour Director
- Full planning and support from an expert tour consultant to help you tailor your tour in any way to suit your group
- Private luxury transport with air-conditioning
- Entrance fees for all visits and activities detailed in the itinerary
- 24-hour emergency contact service while in Europe
- Hotel porterage
- All taxes
- Portfolio of travel documents
Private Departures
Please Call 1-800-818-8455 for Group Rates on this Custom Group Journey
This suggested itinerary can be customized to suit; more or less meals, different cities and/or sightseeing based on your clients’ interests. You name it, our expert group specialist professionals will put it together for you. Please call 1-800-818-8455, or simply complete the group request form, and we’ll get back to you with your proposal.
Group Discounts
On custom journeys, discounts vary depending on group requirements. Typically, travel with a group of 20 and the 21st traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land portion of the vacation price. A second traveler receives a 100% discount* off the land on a group of 40 paying passengers.
*Per person prices are land only and based on two people sharing a room. Above dates represent “land start” date. Air: Please note that airfares are not included in the prices above. Journeys Connect can quote you the lowest possible GROUP airfare available on the day that you book. Minimum of 10 seats from same gateway. Less than 10 air seats will require full payment at time of booking. Single Room Supplement: On Request. Triple Room Reduction: On Request. Group discounts cannot be combined with our Triple Room discounts. Not valid on Specialty, Customized Vacations or River Cruises, optional extensions, extra nights, airfares, taxes and fees, flight supplements, or airport transfers. Other restrictions may apply. All passengers’ names must be advised before the discount is applied. *Group discount is on a twin-share basis only.
Contact Journeys Connect
Journeys Connect group and specialty services are available exclusively on a Business-to-Business basis, to travel industry professionals. If you are an individual interested in a Group Journey for 8 or more passengers, please do browse our collection and then contact your preferred Travel Agent and ask them to book through Journeys Connect.
Travel professionals, please call and speak with one of our Group Specialty Professionals:
1-800-818-8455