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Paris to Madrid
Trip Valid:
01/01/2008 to 31/12/2008
Duration:
15 days (Paris to Madrid)
Highlights:
Be romanced by beautiful Paris, Visit the famous Chateau de Villandry, Stroll along the city walls in La Rochelle, Pedal past the cave homes of prehistoric man in Dordogne, Hike in the Pyrenees, Soak up the sun on a Spanish beach, Admire artworks at the Prado in Madrid
Trip Code:
ASF
Guarantee:
Departure is guaranteed
Group Size:
Minimum 1, Maximum 12
Price:
USD $1980
*(plus local payment EUR €300)
pricing for United States: change country
Extras:
view 2008 airport transfers and pre- & post-trip accommodation prices
From the romantic capital of France to magnificent Madrid, this trip is packed with art, culture and history. See the pretty lights of Paris, visit the royal chateau at Villandry and check out the caves of prehistoric man in Dordogne. Cross the border into Spain and lose yourself in world-famous galleries like the Guggenheim or Prado. Then hit the stylish shops and chic boutiques, or kick back on a sunny beach and recharge for a big night out.
is this trip right for you?
physical rating:
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culture shock rating:
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passenger feedback rating: N/A as this is a new trip.
meals included: 2 breakfasts included
transport: Train, local bus, metro, bicycle, walking
accommodation: Hotels (14 nts)
budget: Allow EUR €525 for meals not included.
departs: Departs selected Sat
we also recommend:
Continue from Madrid to Morocco (ASH)
Or see more of the Iberian Peninsula on our Moorish Spain trip (ASG)
Days 1-2 Paris
Peruse classic paintings in the Louvre or visit the modern Centre Pompidou with its striking facade for contemporary artworks. Sit in elegant gardens, explore historic buildings, climb the Eiffel Tower, mingle with students in the Latin Quarter, picnic on the steps of the Sacre Coeur - there are endless things to do in this romantic city.
Day 3 Tours
Famed for its art and history, Tours offers a range of interesting museums and beautiful half-timbered medieval houses. It is also the gateway to the verdant Loire Valley and magnificent chateaux of French kings. Jump on a bike to visit the castle at Villandry and admire its perfectly manicured Renaissance gardens.
Days 4-5 La Rochelle
There is ample free time to stroll the lovely streets of this old fishing village, and maybe even to head to the top of Tour St-Nicolas, the oldest tower in La Rochelle, for a great view of the Old Town and harbour. Afterwards, enjoy a delicious seafood meal at one of the restaurants along the harbour perhaps, and as dusk falls, join the locals on an evening promenade along the city walls.
Days 6-8 Dordogne
Cycle through the World Heritage-listed Vezere Valley, also known as 'the cradle of mankind', and check out the dramatic limestone cliffs and caves that once sheltered prehistoric man. Take advantage of the relaxed pace of life here by relaxing over a meal and a glass of wine.
Days 9-10 Pyrenees
Hike in the verdant mountains of the Pyrenees, the natural boundary between the Iberian Peninsula and the rest of Europe, and take in the crisp, clean air and breathtaking views.
Days 11-13 San Sebastian
Cross the border into sunny Spain, where there is plenty of time to feast on tapas. We take a walk up Mount Urgull for a fantastic panoramic view of the town and the surroundings. Then you can enjoy the sun at La Concha, the central beach, or shop till you drop in the many stylish boutiques this chic city is stuffed with. It's possible to take a ferry to Santa Clara Island in the middle of the bay, or catch a bus to see Bilbao's architecturally awesome Guggenheim museum.
Days 14-15 Madrid
Home to stunning architecture, superb museums and spectacular nightlife, the Spanish capital is a heady brew. Make sure to see the many masterpieces in the Museo del Prado, or visit Reina Sofia with its modern art collection to view the Picasso and Miro exhibitions. Finally, chill out in the beautiful Real Jardin Botanico.
| start date | finish date | places available | bookings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 06 Sep 08 | Sat 20 Sep 08 | bookings closed | |
| Sat 20 Sep 08 | Sat 04 Oct 08 | 6 | late request |
| Sat 04 Oct 08 | Sat 18 Oct 08 | 1 | book now |
| Sat 18 Oct 08 | Sat 01 Nov 08 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 02 May 09 | Sat 16 May 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 16 May 09 | Sat 30 May 09 | 6 | book now |
| Sat 30 May 09 | Sat 13 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 06 Jun 09 | Sat 20 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 13 Jun 09 | Sat 27 Jun 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 27 Jun 09 | Sat 11 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 04 Jul 09 | Sat 18 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 11 Jul 09 | Sat 25 Jul 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 05 Sep 09 | Sat 19 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 12 Sep 09 | Sat 26 Sep 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 19 Sep 09 | Sat 03 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 26 Sep 09 | Sat 10 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 03 Oct 09 | Sat 17 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 10 Oct 09 | Sat 24 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 17 Oct 09 | Sat 31 Oct 09 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 24 Apr 10 | Sat 08 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 01 May 10 | Sat 15 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 08 May 10 | Sat 22 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 15 May 10 | Sat 29 May 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 22 May 10 | Sat 05 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 29 May 10 | Sat 12 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 05 Jun 10 | Sat 19 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 12 Jun 10 | Sat 26 Jun 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 19 Jun 10 | Sat 03 Jul 10 | 7+ | book now |
| Sat 26 Jun 10 | Sat 10 Jul 10 | 7+ | book now |
The Trip Notes provide you with detailed information about your trip.
This is where you will find everything you need to know... from what's included to suggestions about what to take. This is also where you will find the most up-to-date itinerary and any late changes.
The Trip Notes provide you with a detailed outline of your trip itinerary, and important information like where to meet your group, what to pack, what's included, estimates of spending money requirements and much more. They make great reading.
These documents have been prepared by Intrepid staff to give you a brief introduction to the places you are visiting. We think it's important to understand the culture you are visiting, and the expectations of their society.
Intrepid is committed to a style of travel that is environmentally, culturally and socially responsible - we call this 'Responsible Travel'. Download this document and visit the About Intrepid section of this site for more information about how to be a Responsible Traveller.
Please also read our safety guidelines for further information on the operational safety standards you can expect on every Intrepid trip.
On 07 June the Australian Government issued an updated travel warning for East Timor strongly advising against travel to East Timor because of the extremely dangerous security situation. Australians in the country are advised to leave. The Travel Warning remains at Category 5 - Do Not Travel.
On Tuesday 07 June we have taken the decision to cancel the remainder of our East Timor trips scheduled to depart in 2006. All travellers will be notified and given the opportunity to transfer to another trip or obtain a full refund (land content only). We very much regret having to take this action and our thoughts and sympathies are with the people of East Timor during this troubled time.
We are confident of being able to resume our normal schedule of trips to East Timor in 2007 and hope that those travellers who have had to cancel their plans this year will travel with us to East Timor in 2007.
For other safety updates, please see our general safety updates page.
Every day, hundreds of happy people return from Intrepid trips, and their comments are here for you to read. We do not screen the feedback on this site, all comments are posted here as they were written (unless they used inappropriate language).
This is a good trip that provides wonderful opportunities to cover a lot of ground in both France
Jane (sarah Jane) Lea
Timing of arriving in some towns was not ideal - eg short stays in Salamanca and Faro. Arriving on Sundays when nothing open and leaving the next morning.Activity included on Saturday at Faro meant we missed everything else as it was shut on Sunday
Moira Green
I loved the trip itself and all places, there was variety from the charm of the old villages to the walking the pyrenees to enjoying the beaches and back to the city life.
Kathleen Hohns
Sorry, only passengers from Australia, New Zealand or the United Kingdom are able to request flight quotes online at this stage.
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