Southern France, the Pyrenees & La Rioja
6 day tour

Day 1

• Admire a palette of ancient architecture and leafy avenues in Aix-en-Provence
• Go back in time and discover how Roman and Gallic culture collided in Ambrussum

You say ‘au revoir’ to glamorous Nice and head west towards Aix-en-Provence.This classy city is full of lively streets, elegant fountains and leafy squares. You can explore the winding streets and visit local cafés; or trace the life of Paul Cézanne, from the house he was born to the painter’s atelier and final resting place.

Next on the agenda is the archaeological site and museum of Ambrussum. This is where the Gallo-Romans existed 2,000 years ago. It’s located on one of the most ancient Roman routes and gives you an insight into the history of this region.

Continue south and leave the Romans behind as you delve into the heart of the Regional Natural Park of Narbonne. This peaceful area is a haven for Fontfroide Abbey which held considerable power during the Middle Ages. Enjoy the tranquillity of this place and breathe in the fresh air before you travel to the walled city of Carcassonne, your base for the night.

Day 2

• Traverse the medieval monuments of Carcassonne
• Delve into humanity’s prehistoric past in the Mas d’Azil Cave

Wake up, enjoy your breakfast, and start exploring this fascinating medieval city. Carcassonne has more stone towers, spiky turrets, and zigzag battlements than you can shake a sword at. So, it will come as no surprise it boasts a UNESCO title.

All this sightseeing must have worked up your appetite, so we travel to the fortified medieval town of Mirepoix for lunch. Here, you can enjoy the local specialities in the main square surrounded by timber-framed houses before we head deeper into the Midi-Pyrénées.

Next, instead of travelling up the mountains, you descend to the fascinating underground world of The Mas d’Azil Cave. The immensity of the grotto (the only one in Europe you can drive through) and the rich discoveries will leave you speechless.

In the early evening, you arrive in Lourdes, a small Pyrenean town, a spiritual centre, and your home for two nights.

Day 3

• Explore the spiritual beauty of Lourdes, the most visited pilgrimage shrine in the Christian world
• Chose to go to a hike to the hidden waterfall of Cirque de Gavarnie

Today, it’s up to you how you spend your time.

You can stay in the Lourdes and discover the sites at your own pace. There’s the soaring sanctuary of Notre Dame de Lourdes, a nearby castle, and a funicular ride to the top of Pic du Jer for a great view of the Pyrenees.

Alternatively, you can spend half a day in Lourdes and half a day on tour exploring the village of Gavarnie deep in the Pyrenees. It’s a perfect opportunity to wander around this little commune and try some local specialities.

And if you feel the wilderness calls you, you can spend the whole day with us in the great outdoors. Why not go on a hike to Cirque de Gavarnie? The effort is worth it, this majestic amphitheatre-like valley with tumbling waterfalls will reward you with one of the Pyrenees’ most stunning vistas.

Whichever option you choose, you spend the evening enjoying the atmosphere of Lourdes.

Day 4

• Journey through the peaks and valleys of the Pyrenees
• Take a swim in the Yesa Reservoir

It’s time to travel through the impressive Pyrenean mountain passes into Spain. You start your journey through this massive national park and descend into Jaca.

This Spanish town is nicknamed ‘Pearl of the Pyrenees’ and has a captivating history. It was founded by the Romans, conquered by the Moors, and taken over again by the Christians. Ponder over the bravery of the locals as you explore the city and savour your lunch.

Hopefully, you’ve got your swimwear with you, because you head to Yesa Reservoir, where you may find thermal pools for bathing. And if the water level is low, you can even have a free spa treatment when you plaster yourself with skin-softening mud.

Alternatively, if you don’t want to get out your swimming costume, you can spend your afternoon visiting the peaceful Leyre Monastery built on a mountain range overlooking the greenish and bluish shades of the reservoir.

Refreshed by the afternoon’s adventures you head to La Rioja region, the wine connoisseur’s heaven, to spend two nights in Haro.

Day 5

• Soak up the famous wines of La Rioja region
• Savour the flavours and picturesque Nature Parks of the Basque Country

You wake up in a hilltop town surrounded by the vineyards of La Rioja. This is a fantastic base for exploring this rich region where wine has been cultivated since Roman times.

In the morning, you venture off the beaten track to Tobera in Montes Obarenes Nature Park. You travel through mountains and forests and arrive in the picturesque hamlet with Romanesque hermitages. Here, you go for a relaxing walk to Tobera waterfall and have a comfort break in the nearby Frías. This tiny medieval city is as old as it is beautiful and is adorned with a ruined castle that will make you stare in wonder.

Next, you jump over to the Basque Country. Here you take in views of Sobrón Gorge and River Ebro, which nurtures the precious vineyards of La Rioja.

After this scenic morning, you’ve got an opportunity to uncover the culture and history of the wine of this fertile land. You’ve got a chance to call on a local bodega where you can savour the aromas and flavours of this beverage. You may also try a superb food and wine pairing to complete your experience.

If you think it’s time for your siesta, you can stay in Haro and relax for the rest of the day. But if you still want to carry on indulging in the regional delights, you can enjoy more excellent wine in another winery.

Whatever you do, spend your evening discovering gastronomic gems of Haro.

Day 6

• Learn the terrific tales of the folk hero El Cid while aside his famous tomb
• Appreciate ancient Roman engineering at the grand Aqueduct of Segovia

Say farewell to La Rioja and the vineyards because it’s time to travel to Burgos. This proud city, situated on the Santiago de Compostela pilgrimage route, is famous for its Gothic cathedral looming over the skyline. Marvel at this jewel of Spanish architecture and visit the tomb of Burgos’ favourite and most roguish son, El Cid.

You then travel through the vast plains of Castile and León and arrive in Segovia. This city still has the spirit of an old Spanish city and is steeped in history.

Start uncovering the city’s rich heritage by gazing in awe at the perfectly engineered Roman aqueduct now standing in the vibrant centre. Then wander the cobbled streets and get dazzled by Alcázar de Segovia. With soaring towers and turrets topped with slate witches' hats, this castle looks like straight out of a fairy tale. So much so it supposedly inspired Walt Disney’s Sleeping Beauty Castle in Disneyland.

Drink in the last panoramas of this magnificent city and travel south where the grand metropolis of Madrid awaits you in the evening.