8 Days | Explore some western Europe highlights from Spain to France
Get a snapshot of some of the best bits of northern Spain and eastern France. Wander the streets of Barcelona and see the incredible architecture of Gaudi throughout the city before being transported back in time to the medieval walls of Girona. Learn the history of gladiators and bullfighters in the Roman amphitheatre of Nimes and watch the mammoth mountains and crystal coasts streak past on your way to Avignon. Visit some of the finest winemaking parts of France (and sample a glass or two!) and round it all out in the iconic City of Lights – Paris!
Trip overview
- Start
- Barcelona, Spain
- Finish
- Paris, France
- Theme
- Explorer, Rail
- Destinations
- France, Spain
- Physical rating
- Indicates how physically exerting a trip is, and how fit you will need to be to enjoy it. More info on physical ratings
- Style
- Basix
- Ages
- Min 15
- Group size
- Min 1 - Max 16
- Trip code
- ZMRE
- Start your trip in Barcelona, the city of Gaudi, wander the streets and marvel at the architectural feats, from the incredible La Sagrada Familia Basilica to the lush gardens of Park Guell.
- Discover the heart of Burgundy’s wine region in the town of Beaune. Sample a glass (or three!) of some of the finest wine in France and explore the many underground cellars that are scattered throughout the town.
- Walk the streets made famous by Game of Thrones in the medieval town of Girona. Stroll through the cobbled stone streets and be transported to King's Landing and Braavos.
- Explore the walled city of Avignon, crossing the 12th-century Pont St-Benezet bridge and munching on classic French fare like baguettes with cheese.
- Make cross-country travel a breeze with a European trip including train travel. Enjoy extra time to sit back, relax, play games with your fellow travellers or watch the changing scenery roll by.
- This trip is made for travellers who value their independence but also want the benefit of a local leader and a group of like-minded travellers. The itinerary has a mix of included activities and free time when your leader will offer suggestions. Please budget spending money for optional activities you want to partake in. We recommend booking tickets one month in advance for any optional activities that require pre-booking.
- As accommodation on this trip is twin-share, solo travellers will share a room with other travellers of the same gender. This trip is a great opportunity to get to know other like-minded people, so embrace it! Space is at a premium in Europe and your hotel is no exception. Rooms are often small, but the central locations makes up for that. For those travelling as a duo, hotels often don't have double beds, but rather two single beds that can be pushed together. In some cases, bathroom facilities will be shared rather than ensuite.
- Summer temperatures can be very high in many of the regions visited (over 40°C), which can be uncomfortable. It’s important to use sun protection, wear layers to combat the heat and drink plenty of water. Please keep in mind that many European hotel rooms are not equipped with air-conditioning. In Winter, warm waterproof layers will be needed as snow and rain can be expected. Carefully consider the time of the year you wish to travel and your suitability for that season.
- The primary means of transportation on this trip is by train. Trains are a fast way to cross long distances, allowing you to avoid traffic jams and arrive right into the city centre. You'll have to carry your own luggage on and off the train, so make sure it doesn’t exceed our weight and size recommendations. You can find specifics under ‘Packing’ in the Essential Trip Information.
- The best way to experience a city is by doing as the locals do – using public transport such as trams, buses or metro. It’s better for the environment and you’ll get an authentic look at daily life.
Itinerary
View the itinerary for departures between 01 January 2024 - 31 December 2024
Inclusions
4 breakfasts
Train, Public bus, Metro, Tram
Hotel (5 nights), Hostel (2 nights)
- Barcelona - Vermouth Aperitivo
- Barcelona - Orientation Walk
- Barcelona - Churros Snack
- Girona - Orientation Walk near the Medieval Walls
- Nimes - Orientation walk
- Avignon - Market Visit and Snack
- Beaune - Orientation Walk
- Paris - Orientation Walk
- Barcelona - La Sagrada Familia (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR26
- Barcelona - Picasso Museum - EUR15
- Barcelona - Cable car to Montjuic (one way) - EUR10
- Barcelona - Tapas Tour in El Raval Urban Adventure - EUR99
- Barcelona - Barcelona Cathedral - EUR11
- Barcelona - Casa Batllo (advance booking required) - EUR29
- Barcelona - Contemporary Art Museum - EUR12
- Barcelona - Old Santa Creu Hospital - EUR16
- Barcelona - Museum of City History - EUR7
- Barcelona - National Art Museum of Catalonia - EUR12
- Barcelona - Ethnological and World Cultures - EUR5
- Barcelona - Museum of Gaudi - EUR6
- Barcelona - Guell Palace (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR12
- Girona - Jewish History Museum - EUR4
- Girona - Arabic Baths - EUR3
- Girona - Rocambolesc Heladeria (from) - EUR4
- Girona - Game of Thrones Walking Tour (from) - EUR30
- Nimes - Amphitheatre de Nimes - EUR10
- Avignon - Collection Lambert Museum - EUR10
- Avignon - Museum Calvet - EUR6
- Avignon - Museum Lapidaire - EUR2
- Avignon - Pont d'Avignon (Bridge of Avignon) - EUR5
- Avignon - Palais des Papes - EUR15
- Avignon - Museum of the Petit Palace - EUR6
- Avignon - Wine Museum - EUR6
- Avignon - Bike Hire - EUR15
- Avignon - Lavender Museum - EUR8
- Avignon - Roure Palace - EUR5
- Avignon - Gourmet Tour (min. 4 pax) - EUR55
- Avignon - Kayak Under The Pont d'Avignon (1 hour - from) - EUR12
- Beaune - Caves Patriarche Visit and Tasting (from) - EUR20
- Beaune - Hospices de Beaune - EUR12
- Paris - Sainte Chapelle & Conciergerie - EUR20
- Paris - Arc de Triomphe - EUR16
- Paris - Rodin Museum - EUR14
- Paris - Centre Pompidou (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR15
- Paris - Museum of Comparative Anatomy and Paleontology - EUR7
- Paris - Fragonard Perfume Museum - Free
- Paris - Catacombs (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR29
- Paris - Paradis Latin Cabaret Show (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR90
- Paris - Eiffel Tower (from - must be prebooked in advance) - EUR23
- Paris - Louvre Museum (must be prebooked in advance) - EUR22
- Paris - Napoleon's Tomb & Les Invalides Army Museum - EUR15
- Paris - Da Vinci Code Walking Tour - EUR25
- Paris - Picasso Museum - EUR16
- Paris - Musee d'Orsay - EUR16
- Paris - Hidden Montmartre Urban Adventure - EUR35
- Paris - Gourmet Marais Urban Adventure - EUR78
- Paris - Palace of Versailles & Gardens - EUR21
Dates and availability
Important notes
1. A single supplement is not available on this trip.
Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.
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