Essential France, Spain & Portugal

Arrive at any time. After a welcome briefing, set off with your CEO on a orientation walk to explore Paris at night on the way to an optional dinner out.

Welcome Moment - Meet Your CEO and Group: Your opportunity to meet your CEO and fellow travellers, and learn more about your tour. Opt to join the group for a local meal afterwards. Don't forget to see the notice in the lobby (or ask reception) for the official time and place to meet up with the group.

Set off by public transport this morning for a trip to Montmartre, where artists thrive and city views are abundant. Sample a mouth-watering croissant or pain au chocolat, then take to the streets with a CEO-led walking tour. Once oriented, explore however you wish with a free afternoon - perhaps book onto a river cruise to see the city from a different perspective, visit the colossal Louvre, or get your blood pumping with a walk up the Eiffel Tower.

Montmartre Walking Tour: Take in the Abbesses Métro Montmartre Line 12 station and enjoy Hector Guimard's Art Nouveau entrance; one of only three remaining original métro constructions in Paris. Move onward to Picasso's studio, where Cubism was born, and finish up at Toulose Latrec's last address.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do; now is your time to explore. Tick the Eiffel Tower off your bucket list, scan the scenery from a boat cruise, or sit at one of the Parisian cafes and watch the world go by.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Enjoy a leisurely morning for any last sightseeing before boarding a local train bound for Lyon. Check into your hotel and then set off to explore some of the city's highlights on a CEO-led walking tour, culminating at the Basilica of Notre Dame de Fourvière for great views over the city. The rest of the evening is free to choose from a breadth of amazing restaurants in the city for dinner.
Lyon is considered to be an economic and cultural hub in France and is home to several historical landmarks; ancient Roman theatres, the Medieval-Renaissance District of Old Town, etc. Picture cobblestone streets, secret passage ways called 'Traboules', and picturesque viewpoints.

Lyon Walking Tour: Set out on foot exploring Lyon and take in the historic Roman and Renaissance architecture and UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Finish up at the Basilica of Notre Dame of Fourvière where you can enjoy a beautiful viewpoint.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.

Free Time: Take in any last-minute sightseeing in Paris this morning before boarding the train to Lyon.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Take advantage of a free day to explore Lyon. Wander the picturesque streets and visit some of the historic landmarks of the city, take an optional food tour or just relax at one of the many quaint cafes and watch the world go by. Lyon has become famous as a gastronomical capital of not only France, but of the world.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Lyon. Now is the time to explore. Sample local flavours with a local food tour, visit the Musée des Beaux-Arts de Lyon, or sit back and enjoy the view on a river cruise. There's something for everyone.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Depart Lyon for the Occitanie region of France and to the city of Nîmes, known as the "French Rome." Drop off your bags at the hotel, then set out on a walking tour of the old part of the city. Marvel at the Roman amphitheater, stroll around the UNESCO World Heritage monument of Maison Carrée and observe the Tour Magne, a vestige of Gallic Nîmes overlooking the Jardins de la Fontaine. The rest of the afternoon and evening is free.

Nîmes Old City Tour: Embark on a walking discovery of Dualism: a dialogue between past and present. Explore the Roman ruins, including the Arena of Nîmes, while simultaneously appreciating the thriving street art and architecture scene. A true French experience.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and watch the world go by.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Nîmes; now is the time to explore. Wander through the Jardin de La Fontaine or dive into the culture at the Museum Romanité.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Head out on a drive from Nimes to the magnificent Pont du Gard. Standing at an impressive 49 meters tall, this is the highest Roman aqueduct bridge in the world and is the only example of an ancient three-tier bridge still standing today. Later, stop for a delicious farm-to-table lunch in a small village before returning to Nîmes in time to catch the train to Barcelona.

Pont du Gard Visit: Dive into Roman history and engineering as you explore the highest Roman aqueduct ever built, aptly named as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Take in views of the Gardon River and learn about how this feature once supplied water to the city of Nîmes.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a taxi.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, LUNCH

Set off on foot with a local guide on a walking tour of Barcelona, enjoying the sights and sounds of this iconic and vibrant Spanish metropolis. The rest of the day is free for individual exploration of the city's many museums, parks and plazas before regrouping in the evening for an optional dinner out.

Barcelona Walking Tour: Discover the enchanting Gothic Quarter of Barcelona, a maze of narrow, winding streets filled with medieval architecture, hidden plazas, and ancient Roman remnants. Stroll past the majestic Barcelona Cathedral, charming shops, and cozy tapas bars, while soaking in the history that dates back over 2,000 years. A captivating journey through the city's oldest and most atmospheric neighbourhood.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in Barcelona; now is your chance to explore. Check out the iconic Sagraga Familia, Parque Güell, or wander down Las Ramblas.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

All aboard! Settle in and watch the world go by on a train ride from Barcelona to Madrid. Enjoy free time to explore the city upon arrival.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time: There's plenty to see and do in this cultural hub; now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Today is yours to explore however you wish. Check out some of local museums and art galleries, explore how the nobles lived, or spend time people watching and sampling local flavours at one of the countless restaurants and cafes.

Free Time: Madrid is a vibrant city known for rich culture and history, a vibrant art scene, and world class tapas. Now is your time to explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Get ready for a full travel day. Journey to Porto, including a quick lunch stop in charming Salamanca. Arrive in Porto by the early evening.

: Climb aboard, take your seat, and get around like the locals do.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Enjoy an orientation walk of Porto with the rest of the day free to explore. Opt take a cruise down the Douro River. In the evening, visit a port wine cellar and raise a glass to the day.
Head down Allies Avenue to see the French-inspired buildings. Bargain at the Bolhão Market. Wander the city's World Heritage-listed Ribeira district, visit São Francisco church, the palatial former 19th-century stock market Palácio de Bolsa or head to the Clerigos Tower for a panoramic view of the city.

Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

Free Time: Take the day to explore this picturesque coastal town.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Journey to Portugal's capital city, Lisbon, and take in your surroundings on an orientation walk.

Lisbon Orientation Walk: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

: Climb aboard, take a seat, and enjoy the ride.

Free Time: Get out and explore.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Free day to explore Lisbon. Opt for a day trip to nearby Sintra. In the evening enjoy a Fado night and traditional Portuguese dinner in one of Lisbon's oldest neighbourhoods.
Opt to take a day trip into the foothills of the surrounding mountains to Sintra. Get lost in the city's winding streets lined with pastel coloured houses, palaces, majestic gardens and lush forests. It doesn't get more postcard-worthy than this.

Fado Night with Traditional Portuguese Meal: Sit down to a traditional meal and lend your ears to the sound of a performance by Portuguese folk music artists.

Free Time: Opt to explore the town or take a day trip to nearby Sintra.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST, DINNER

Travel to Evora in the heart of the Alentejo region. Enjoy an included tour to the haunting, but mesmerizing Chapel of Bones. Opt to visit Diana's Temple, one of the best preserved Roman temples in the Iberian Peninsula.

Chapel of Bones Visit: Visit the most famous sight in Évora, the Capela dos Ossos, or Chapel of Bones. Take care if squeamish – built in the 1500s by a Franciscan monk, the walls are covered with human skeletons as a reminder to fellow monks that life is fleeting.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: Take a wander around this historic town.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Journey to the Algarve coast to the small fishing village of Olhão. Explore its bustling fish market, active waterfront and white washed laneways. Continue to Seville and enjoy an orientation walk on arrival.

Orientation With CEO: Enjoy a brief walk with your CEO. He/she will give you some tips on finding things like supermarkets, main squares, and ATMs. For more specific or in-depth information, an official guided tour is recommended.

: Settle in and scan the scenery from the convenience of a private vehicle.

Free Time: Take the morning to wander around this quaint town.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Spend a day enjoying this city and its Moorish influence. Opt to explore the district of Santa Cruz and the Alcazar Palace before joining the group in the evening for a dramatic flamenco performance.
Take the time to see all this great city has to offer. Opt to explore the interiors and gardens of the Alcázar, a magnificent palace dating from Moorish times, or the true heart of Seville, the Santa Cruz quarter— a charming area with winding alleys, picturesque lime-washed houses, flowery patios, and small squares. Seville is home to the world’s largest gothic cathedral — climb the adjoining tower for great views of the city. Other attractions include the Museo Arqueológico, the Casa de Pilates and the Parque de María Luisa, which has a maze of paths, garden beds, pretty little patios, fountains, and shaded lawns.

Flamenco Show: Enjoy a flamenco performance in the city known for the energetic dance. Be swept away by the flamenco's passion, fire, and grit!

Free Time: Spend time in Seville exploring Moorish monuments, parks, and gardens, getting a feel for Seville's energetic pulse. Opt to savour some tapas at the city's many bars and cafés.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST

Depart at any time.

Departure Day: Not ready to leave? Your CEO can help with any onward travel arrangements you require.

Meal plan: BREAKFAST