Paris to Marrakech 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.

Head west to the university city of Salamanca. Soak up the student vibe on a walk past historic stone buildings to Plaza Mayor and admire the intricate detail of the Casa de Las Conchas, or ‘House of the Shells’.

Travel from Spain to Portugal to sample full-bodied wines, delicious spicy cuisine and enjoy the local tradition of Fado - soulful music about love.

Explore multicultural Lisbon, a charming city with a towering medieval citadel and many interesting museums. In free time, see quirky pieces in the Folk Art Museum, take a day trip into the mountains or sample the nightlife in Barrio Alto.

Venture further afield to the south coast of Portugal. Take the opportunity to bliss out on the beach, explore hidden coves and just soak up the mellow holiday vibe of the Algarve.

Visit Jerez and discover the secrets to a perfect aperitif on a bodega tour or enjoy a tipple of sherry - the drink named after this town. Later, why not head into the Moorish baths to see classic Arabic tiling.

Travel across the Strait of Gibraltar and explore Chefchaouen, a sleepy mountain town peppered with blue-washed buildings and ambient restaurants. While here, perhaps expend some energy on a hike into the Rif Mountains.

Arrive in the city of Fes and step back in time at a medieval medina thick with exotic smells, tastes and sounds. Fuel explorations of this imperial city with a glass of mint tea and some sweet Moroccan dates. After a guided sightseeing tour, maybe unwind at the Palais Jamai in the evening, while the melodic call to prayer floats over the city.

Find everything from genie lamps to leather slippers in Marrakech, an intoxicating city of souqs and mosques. Take a refreshing walk through the gardens at Majorelle Jardin, visit the lavishly decorated Saadian Tombs or end the adventure among the bustle of Djemaa el-Fna, Marrakech's bustling main bazaar.