Paris to Madrid Overview

Rich in museums, art galleries, monuments, fashion and fabulous food, Paris offers a wealth of major sights and hidden treasures to discover.

Aptly named 'Le Jardin de la France', Tours boasts verdant parks, peaceful river settings and a famed Old City with wonderfully preserved half-timbered buildings and picturesque open-air cafes.

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.

A lovely port city famed its wines, Bordeaux exudes charm with celebrated architecture, fascinating museums and alluring cafes in which to linger over the region's famous tipple.

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. Surrounded by dramatic mountains and the gateway to many outdoor adventures, Luchon is a charming town to explore with its 19th-century buildings and famed flower gardens. 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.

A vibrant cultural heart beats within this relaxed, coastal city - San Sebastian is a perfect place to relax at the beach or enjoy the finer points of Spanish culture.

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.

Madrid is home to a wealth of remarkable sights, sounds and experiences. Soak up the art, be wowed by the architecture and swoon over the exceptional food.