BRITTANY, FRANCE & NORTHERN SPAIN 15 DAY TOUR
Tour Highlights
★ | Brittany, located in the west of the France, it is a fascinating mix of spectacular coastline, medieval towns and beautiful islands |
★ | El Capricho is a villa designed by Gaudi, built in 1883-1885 for a wealthy client. Gaudi’s exuberant design combines with Oriental, Moorish influences, and nature. High ceilings give great acoustics. Stained-glass window and yellow sunflowers cover the outside of the building |
★ | Palacio De Astorga, a building designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. It consists of a castle, a church and A mansion. With white granite exterior and stunning murals and stained glass in the chapel |
★ | Casa Botines was designed by Antoni Gaudi. The building has a medieval air and numerous neo- Gothic characteristic elements: cylindrical towers, sculptural chimney and curved line |
★ | Cudillero is a small fishing village located on the coast of Asturias. A charming town with pastel colored houses, cascade down to a tiny port, very much like Cinque Terre in Italy |
★ | Santiago de Compostela, the famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain. It is a leading Catholic pilgrimage route since the 9th century |
★ | Lugo is surrounded by completely intact Roman walls. It was built in the 3rd Century., and was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000 |
★ | The Cathedral of Saint Mary of Burgos, built in 1221, in the style of French Gothic architecture. The diversity of the interior from gilded altar, star-shaped vaulting in the dome. Within the cathedral is the tomb of the Spanish hero El Cid. The cathedral was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1984. |
★ | Provide one bottle of mineral water per person per day on the coach |
★ | Provide headset service for 15 and more guests per group |
Itinerary
Day 1
USA / Paris, France
<Itinerary>
Today, we will take overnight flight to Paris, arrive the next day.
Day 2
Paris-95km-Chartres
<Itinerary>
Upon arrival, transfer to Chartres, located about 95 km southwest of Paris.
◎The Cathedral Notre-Dame de Chartres, built in 1145, and then reconstructed over 26-year Period after the fire of 1194. The vast nave, the porches adorned with fine sculptures, and the Magnificent stained-glass windows, which is considered one of the finest and best-preserved Gothic cathedrals in France
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel> Novotel Chartres or similar
Day 3
Chartres-316km-Dinan-34km-Sanit Malo
<Itinerary>
◎After breakfast, depart for Dinan, located west of Paris in northwestern France. This medieval town has many fine fold buildings, with half-timbered houses, cobbled streets, and huge city stone walls
◎Saint Malo is a historic French port located in Brittany. It had a long history of piracy, today, Saint Malo is one of the top tourist destinations in Brittany. You can walk along the harbor and explore this walled city
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel>Mercure Balmoral Hotel St. Malo or similar
Day 4
Saint Malo-152km-Vannes-143-Alignements de Carnac -141km - Nantes
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for Vannes, located in Brittany. We will stop by ◎the washhouse of the Garenne, a lovely covered public wash-house on the right bank of the river Marle.
★Carnac is located beside the Golf of Morbihan in north-western France. Carnac is renowned for Carnac stones, the site has more than 10,000 Neolithic standing stones, erected by pre-Celtic People of Brittany from 4500 BC until 2000 BC.
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel> Mercure Hotel Mont Saint Michel or similar
Day 5
Nantes-331km-Bordeaux
<Itinerary>
This morning, depart for Bordeaux, a world capital of wine. Upon arrival, city tour will follow:
◎Place des Quinconces located between Stock Exchange square and Garrone River with famous reflecting pond (Mirroir d’eau)
◎Stock Exchange Square
◎Saint Pierre Bridge, which connects the left bank of the river Garrone to the right bank Bastide Square
★La Cité du Vin, a museum and a place of exhibitions, shows and seminars of wine that produced in Bordeaux. A unique experience to learn about wine culture, wine tasting
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>Mercure Hotel Bordeaux Centre Ville or similar
Day 6
Bordeaux-67km-Dune du Pilat-199km-Biarritz-50km-Donostia-San Sebastian, Spain
<Itinerary>
◎The Dune of Pilat is located in southwestern France and the tallest sand dune in Europe. It has a volume of about 60,000,000 m3, measuring around 500 m wide from east to wet and 2.7 km in length from north to south. Its height was 106.60 m above sea level. Millions of years ago when the Pyrénées Mountain and the Central Massif Mountains eroded, local rivers caried sand from the mountains to the ocean where it drifted ashore and formed the massive dune.
◎Biarritz is a city on the Bay of Biscay on the Atlantic coast in southwestern France. It is a luxurious seaside tourist destination
◎San Sebatián (aka Donostia-San Sebatián) is renowned for its Basque cuisine. There are plenty of Tapas bars, Michelin stars restaurants in Old Town.
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel> Mercure Monte Igueldo Hotel San Sabastian or similar
Day 7
Donostia-San Sebastian120km- Gaztelugatxe-130km- Santander
<Itinerary>
We will travel to ◎Gaztelugatxe this morning, a small island off the northern Coast of Sapin. The island is connected to the mainland by a stone bridge and a 241-step staircase.
Continue to ◎ Santander, a port city located east of Gijón and west of Bilbao. It is a popular tourist destination because its old town, beautiful beaches and mild climate.
◎Paseo de Pereda is a waterfront walkway, lined with beautiful buildings, restaurants and café
◎The sculpture of Los Raqueros
◎Machichco Monument was erected on the waterfront of Santander to commemorate the tragedy of two explosions that killed hundreds of lives
◎the Botin Center, an arts center designed by Pritzker Prize-winner architect Renzo Piano
★Santander Cathedral is a historical monumental complex built between the 12th century and the 14th century on top of the Santander Abbey.
★Ride Rio de la Pila funicular to the hill, admiring amazing view of the city and the ocean
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>Santemar Hotel Santander or similar
Day 8
Santander-52km-Comillas-127km-Cudilleno-90km-As Catedrais beach-185km-Santiago
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for Comillas, a small town located in the northern Spain. Comillas was the capital of Spain for a day, the August 6 1881, following an agreement between king Alfondo XII and the Minister’s council to gather at a formal meeting in town. There are architectural relics designed by renowned artists, such as Antoni Gaudi.
★El Capricho is a villa designed by Gaudi built in 1883-1885 for a wealthy client. Gaudi’s exuberant design combines Oriental, Moorish influences, and nature. High ceilings give great acoustics, stained-glass window and yellow sunflowers which cover the outside of the building. (If El Capricho is closed or fully booked, we will visit Sobrellano Palace instead)
◎Cudillero is small fishing village located on the coast of Asturias. A charming town with pastel colored houses, cascade down to a tiny port, very much like Cinque Terre in Italy
◎As Cathedral Beach, located on the northwest coast of Sapin. This spectacular sandy beach features unique rock towers, and arches. Its name is derived from its cliff formations We will overnight in Santiago tonight.
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>Santiago Plaza Hotel Affiliated by Melia or similar
Day 9
Santiago
<Itinerary>
Santiago de Compostela, the famous pilgrimage site in north-west Spain. It is a leading Catholic pilgrimage route since the 9th century. Upon arrival, city tour will follow:
★Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, built between 1075 & 1211. The cathedral is the burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ. The architecture was originally Romanesque
structure with later Gothic and Baroque additions
◎Obradoiro Square
◎Rajoy Palace
◎Silversmith’s Square
◎Fuente de los Caballos Fountain
◎Quintana Square
◎Old Town Hall
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner>Local Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel>Santiago Plaza Hotel Affiliated by Melia or similar
Day 10
Santiago-102km-lugo-172km-Astorga-51km-León
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for Lugo, located in northwestern part of Spain. ◎Lugo is the only city in the world surrounded by completely intact Roman walls. It is 10 to 15 meters high and form a loop of 2 km around the old city with 71 towers. The wall was built in the 3rd Century., and was enlisted as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2000. We will stroll around this ancient city:
◎Santiago Gate
◎Lugo Cathedral, dedicated to St. Mary, built about 1129
◎Santa Maria Square
◎The Main Square
◎City Hall
◎San Pedro Church
◎Saint Dominic Square
◎Monument
★Roman Walls, stroll along the walls, explore this medieval ancient town Continue to ◎Astorga, located in northwestern Spain, upon arrival, city tour will follow:
★Palacio De Astorga, a building designed by architect Antoni Gaudi. It consists of a castle, a church and a mansion. With white granite exterior and stunning murals and stained glass in the chapel
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel> Silken Luis de Hotel Leon or similar
Day 11
León-181km-Burgos
<Itinerary>
León is the capital of province of León, we will tour following sites:
★León Cathedral is one of the most relevant examples of the Gothic style building in Spain. The cathedral contains the best-preserved collections of medieval stained-glass windows in Europe. (If the cathedral is closed for special event, we will replace to visit Basilica of San Isidoro)
◎Santo Domingo Square
◎Casa Botines is one of the few buildings by Antoni Gaudi to be found outside of Barcelona. The Building has a medieval air and numerous neo-Gothic characteristics with Gaudi’s design elements: cylindrical towers, sculptural chimney and curved line
Later depart for Burgos, we will overnight in Burgos
<Breakfast>Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses (Stew menu)
<Hotel> Abba Hotel Burgos or similar
Day 12
Burgos-121km-La Rioja-24km-Logrono
<Itinerary>
◎布爾戈斯,西班牙民族英雄—「席德」之鄉—中世紀古城。
★布爾戈斯大教堂Cloisters and treasury Cathedral,建於1221年的大教堂。教堂內金碧輝煌的祭壇與文藝復興風格的金色樓梯、雕琢華麗的淨白石牆、各具特色的禮拜堂展現了不同時期的藝術風格。布爾戈斯大教堂於1984年被收列為UNESCO世界文化遺產。前往西班牙最著名酒鄉之一—里奧哈地區。讓里奧哈引以為傲的,不只受歐洲產地保護的美酒,還有在純樸鄉野間,座落著設計前衛的當代建築,其中不乏首屈一指的大師之作。
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses (Sausage menu)
<Hotel>Mercure Carlton Rioja Hotel Logrono or similar
Day 13
Logrono-95km-Alto del Perdon-13km-Pamplona-95km-Vitoria-Gasteiz
<Itinerary>
Logrono is located in the northern region of La Rioja. After breakfast, city tour will follow:
◎Hotel Viura is a unique hotel with a superb design. The vertical and horizontal shapes build a modern fantasy that contrasts with an 18th-century church
★Marqués de Riscal winery is a hotel and winery designed by Frank Gehry. The winery has the Most modern facilities for the production of high-quality wines in Rioja. (If Marqués closed or fully booked, we will replace to alternative winery).
◎Alto del Perdón, located in the Sierra del Perdón at an altitude of 770 meters. This monument consists of different silhouettes in sheet metal representing pilgrims from various eras.
Continue to ◎Pamplona, located in Navarra, Spain. It is most famous world-wide for its San Fermin festival, held each year from July 6-14. The festival includes legendry “Running of the Bulls”.
◎Castle Square: we will have lunch at Café Iruna, where Ernest Hemingway often visited. After lunch, walking along the street that held “Running of the Bulls” event
◎The Town Hall
◎The Bull Run Monument
◎Hemingway Memorial
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Lunch>Local Cuisine, 3 courses at Café Iruna
<Dinner> Western Cuisine, 3 courses at hotel
<Hotel>NH Hotel Barcelo Bilbao Nervion or similar
Day 14
Vitoria-Gasteiz - 65km- Bilbao
<Itinerary>
After breakfast, depart for ◎Bilbao, a city in northern Spain. Since mid-1990s, Bilbao has been in a Process of deindustrialization and transition to a metropolitan city. Its buildings display a variety of architectural styles, Bilbao was appointed a “City of Design” by UNESCO in 2014. Upon arrival, city tour will follow:
◎The Old Town features many of the oldest buildings in the city, there are also many restaurants And shops for you to enjoy a great lunch at your own expense
★Take Artxanda Funicular to Mount. Artxanda, it offers panoramic views of the city
★The Guggenheim Museum Bilbao, a museum of modern and contemporary art designed by Architect Frank Gehry. The Museum features permanent and visiting exhibits of works by Spanish and international artists.
◎ The sculpture Puppy, a 12 meters high puppy consisting of flowers was created by American artist Jeff Koons. It is placed permanently at the front of the Guggenheim Museum
◎Maman, a bronze, stainless steel, and marble sculpture by the artist Louise Bourgeois
◎Vizcaya Bridge situated at the mouth of Ibaizabal estuary, west of Bilbao. It was the first bridge in the world to carry people and traffic on a high suspended gondola. With its use of lightweight twisted steel cables, the bridge is considered as one of the outstanding architectural irons constructions of the Industrial Revolution
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
<Dinner> Local Cuisine, 3 courses
<Hotel> Hotel Barcelo Bilbao Nervion or similar
Day 15
Bilbao / USA
<Itinerary>
Today, transfer to airport for homebound flight to US and ends this unforgettable journey.
<Breakfast> Buffet Breakfast at hotel
★ Entrance fee included ◎Photo-stop
Pricing
Departure Date
06
APR
2024
Adult: $3,899 |
Child: $2,699 |
Single Supplement: $1,000 |
Departure Date
18
MAY
2024
Adult: $3,899 |
Child: $2,699 |
Single Supplement: $1,000 |
Departure Date
15
JUN
2024
Adult: $3,899 |
Child: $2,699 |
Single Supplement: $1,100 |
Departure Date
06
JUL
2024
Adult: $4,099 |
Child: $2,899 |
Single Supplement: $1,200 |
Departure Date
24
AUG
2024
Adult: $4,099 |
Child: $2,899 |
Single Supplement: $1,200 |
Departure Date
20
SEPT
2024
Adult: $3,999 |
Child: $2,799 |
Single Supplement: $1,100 |
Departure Date
19
OCT
2024
Adult: $3,899 |
Child: $2,699 |
Single Supplement: $1,100 |
Departure Date
02
NOV
2024
Adult: $3,799 |
Child: $2,599 |
Single Supplement: $1,000 |
Tour Fare includes:
4-star hotel, Breakfast (13), Lunch (1), Dinner (13), Transportation, Entrance Fee
Tour Fare excludes:
International Airfare, Personal Expense, any expense not included in our itinerary, Tips: Euro 12 per day for Tour Leader, Guide & Bus Driver, Visa Fee, Travel Insurance (if full payment paid 60 days prior, we offer medical travel insurance for US residents only)
**Registration and reservation must also pay a deposit of USD $500 per person(Once the group is confirmed, the deposit becomes non-refundable, it can be used for future credit for tour group
** If you purchase air ticket on your own, your arrival time to the first destination and your departure time from last destination to U.S. must be the same as our group. If not the same, you must arrange your own transportation to meet group and to airport on the last day **
** Cancellations will only be accepted in writing; cancellation penalty is as following:
120 days prior to departure: US$100 per person
119 days to 60 days prior to departure: US$200 per person
59 days to 30 days prior to departure: 35% of total tour fare
29 days to 15 days prior to departure: 50% of total tour fare
14 days to 3 days prior to departure: 80% of total tour fare
2 days or less prior to departure and/or cancelled during the touring period: 100% of cost
(Tour fare is Non-Transferable to other names and/or other services)
For any train tickets, ferry tickets and admission reserved, if you cancel, we will check with local suppliers for cancellation penalty
For Airline tickets that is purchased and issued, if you cancel, airfare is Non-Refundable and Non-Transferable, we will check with airline for cancellation penalty
Hotel Twin Room Cancellation Policy: If your roommate cancelled, the share with party will occupy a single room, the cancelled party is responsible for single supplement incurred
The above term and policy will not apply to any special tours and/or customized tours, all special tours and customized tours will base on its own term and conditions
Notes:
*Tour fare is per person in double occupancy
*Child Fee: 2-11 years old share bed with parents, otherwise will be count as adult fare
* Single supplement is for one person occupying one single room with one bed