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western europe
Rich history, delicious gastronomy, culture, strong identity, beautiful landscape so diversified, France keeps a soul that attracts many visitors. To take a sun bath in the colourful and aromatic Provence, to taste famous wine along the Loire River, to wander along a boulevard in Paris, the City of Lights. A trip in France is a permanent excitement among the
French. They will be happy to share with you their art of life, the French Way, sil vous plait! If you feel youd like to savour deep moments in the delightful France, go there for an Intrepid style trip, luxe, calme, et volupté& Stanislas de Forton, leader
paris to madrid
ORIgINAl
15 days, Paris to Madrid
itiNerary... 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 *plus Local Payment EU¬300
Physical culture shock
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 easy 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. Otherwise, enjoy the sun at La Concha, the central beach, or shop til you drop in the many stylish fashion boutiques of this chic city. Its possible to take a ferry to Santa Clara Island in the middle of the bay, or catch a bus to see Bilbaos 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 the modern art collection to view Picasso and Miro exhibitions at the Reina Sofia. Finally, chill out in the beautiful Real Jardin Botanico to see a different side of the city.
BELGIUM
" Discover the cultures of France and spain " experience the beauty and elegance of Paris " Visit the famous chateau de Villandry " stroll along the city walls in la rochelle " Pedal past the cave homes of prehistoric man in the Dordogne " hike in the Pyrenees " swim at a sunny spanish beach
Paris
La Rochelle
Tours
FRANCE
Dordogne San Sebastian Pyrenees Mountains
real life experiences&
This trip is something really special. It offers the opportunity to experience brilliant architecture, amazing art, wonderful food and some fantastic outdoors activities& Siobhan Moore
Madrid
SPAIN
Above: Chateau de Villandry, Loire Valley - Jackie Watkins Below: Intrepid Photography Competition 2007: Tulip Tower, Paris - Scott Kimber accoMMoDatioN Hotels (11 nts), mountain gites (2 nts), overnight train (1 nt) traNsPort Overnight train, train, local bus, metro, bicycle, walking GrouP siZe Max 12 Meals No meals included BuDGet Allow EU¬525 for meals not included DeParts Selected Sat GuaraNtee Departure guaranteed traVeller ratiNG Not applicable as this is a new itinerary start 2008 17 May 31 May 14 Jun 28 Jun Finish 31 May 14 Jun 28 Jun 12 Jul 12 Jul 23 Aug 06 Sep 20 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 26 Jul 06 Sep 20 Sep 04 Oct 18 Oct 01 Nov 2009 16 May 30 May 30 May 13 Jun 13 Jun 27 Jun
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