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First-Class Paris, the Pyrenees & Barcelona

 
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20262027
Duration
11 days
From per person
$5,295 $4,795
Tour code
FAS26
Mobility Rating 2
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From Paris to Barcelona via the world-class wine regions of Bordeaux and La Rioja, this itinerary offers a beautifully curated France and Spain experience. This tour blends First Class high-speed rail, scenic mountain routes and exceptional hotels - including the five-star Canfranc Estación

On a captivating journey from Paris to Barcelona, experience the culture, cuisine and famous sights of some of France and Spain's iconic cities and hidden gems.

Soak up the wonders of romantic Paris, cruise through the center of Bordeaux and enjoy wine tastings in the renowned St Émilion and La Rioja regions. Sample authentic pintxos in Bilbao and admire significant works of modern art at the Guggenheim Museum, an architectural masterpiece designed by Frank Gehry.

Explore the Basque countryside, staying in the remarkable setting of Canfranc Estación and conclude in Barcelona, discovering its world-famous landmarks.

Unforgettable Experiences

Staying in the historic Canfranc Estación
Staying in the historic Canfranc Estación
Spend two nights at the magnificent Canfranc Estación, a once-grand railway station in the heart of the Pyrenees, now transformed into a luxurious hotel. Soak up its stunning architecture, opulent interiors and dramatic mountain setting.
Tasting the great wines of France and Spain
Tasting the great wines of France and Spain
Savor the flavors of two world-class wine regions with winery visits and tastings in both St Émilion and Rioja. Wander through vineyards and learn about winemaking traditions that define these iconic regions.
Exploring some of Europe’s greatest cities
Exploring some of Europe’s greatest cities
Soak up the key sights and local character of world-famous European cities, on a journey through Paris, Bordeaux and Bilbao to Barcelona.
Experiencing a memorable meal inside the Eiffel Tower
Experiencing a memorable meal inside the Eiffel Tower
Enjoy a panoramic dining experience on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower, savoring refined cuisine with breathtaking views across the French capital.
Sampling the flavors of Bordeaux and Bilbao
Sampling the flavors of Bordeaux and Bilbao
Taste Bordeaux’s specialties from artisanal cheeses to the city’s signature canelé, before continuing to Bilbao to savor delicious pintxos – and enjoy wine tastings in both Bordeaux and La Rioja’s wine regions.

What’s included on the tour?

Itinerary

DAY1Arrival in the French capital

Your vacation begins today as you arrive in the romantic city of Paris, making your way independently to our welcoming hotel, located in the historic Marais district. You can check in from 3 P.M. or leave your luggage if you arrive beforehand.

There is time at leisure in the afternoon to get to know your new surroundings. You might choose to explore the cobbled streets and small boutiques of the charming Marais district, walk along the pedestrianized riverbanks of the Seine or unwind with a glass of wine at a local café and soak up the unmistakable Parisian atmosphere.

At our elegant hotel this evening, meet the Tour Manager and rest of the group before we enjoy a relaxing welcome drink together - a wonderful introduction to Paris. Overnight Paris.

DAY2Soaking up the history and culture of Paris

Brimming with history and iconic landmarks, we uncover Paris on a guided sightseeing tour after breakfast this morning. Winding through elegant boulevards, our route reveals lesser-known gems and hidden monuments, along with the city's world-famous highlights. We take in timeless sights including the Eiffel Tower, Notre Dame Cathedral and the tree-lined Champs-Élysées, where the Arc de Triomphe sits beautifully at one end.

After the tour, there is free time over lunch and in the afternoon to continue exploring at your own pace. Perhaps look upon some of the world's most famous paintings at the Louvre, home to the Mona Lisa, or wander through the public gardens of the Tuileries or Jardins de Luxembourg. You might also like to stroll up to the much-loved basilica of Sacré Coeur in Montmartre, where sweeping views stretch across the city from the square in front. Pre-booking is recommended to guarantee entrance.

This evening, we reconvene for one of the trip's highlights - a memorable dinner at Madame Brasserie, located on the first floor of the Eiffel Tower. Savor fine French cuisine set high above the city as Paris begins to twinkle below, a special way to round off our stay in the French capital. Overnight Paris.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY3Scenic cruise through Bordeaux

This morning after breakfast, we transfer to the station where we board a direct train to Bordeaux. As the world's largest urban UNESCO World Heritage sites, Bordeaux boasts diverse architecture, welcoming boulevards and a quaint Old Town, along with being the heart of one of the world's most renowned wine regions.

On arrival, we check in to our hotel on the banks of the Garonne River with free time to enjoy lunch, perhaps sampling authentic regional flavors at one of Bordeaux's inviting cafés or food markets. After, we view this picturesque city from the water during a scenic cruise along the Garonne, soaking up the sights of the UNESCO-listed architecture and discovering the bridges of Bordeaux, including the Pont de Pierre and Pont d'Aquitaine. Onboard, we also taste the city's signature canelé - a small, caramelized cake with a soft custard-like center.

After the cruise, there's time to unwind or continue exploring independently before we dine together this evening in a local restaurant. Overnight Bordeaux.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY4Bordeaux food tour & St Émilion wine tasting

Waking in Bordeaux, we savor a morning food tour of the city, offering a delicious insight into the region's culinary heritage. Along the way, we learn about the flavors and traditions that define Bordeaux's local cuisine, sampling a selection of local specialties, which may include freshly baked pastries, artisanal cheeses and cured meats.

There's free time over lunch before we travel by coach to the picturesque medieval village of St Émilion this afternoon, where world-famous wineries and beautiful historic architecture blend seamlessly. Set among rolling vineyards, we visit a local château to enjoy a wine-tasting, gaining insight into the production of some of the world's most renowned wines.

Returning to Bordeaux this evening, you are at leisure to dine independently at one of the city's many inviting restaurants. Overnight Bordeaux.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY5Belle Époque Biarritz & pintxos tour of Bilbao

Leaving Bordeaux after breakfast, we travel by coach towards the coast, passing through a landscape of rolling vineyards on our way to Biarritz. Once the favorite summer retreat of European royalty, this refined seaside town still exudes the charm of its Belle Époque past.

We stop for lunch and there's time to soak up Biarritz's atmosphere, perhaps strolling along the sweeping Grand Plage, admiring the elegant architecture or simply relaxing as the waves break along the shore.

This afternoon, we continue our journey across the border into Spain, arriving in Bilbao. After checking in to our hotel, we set out on an evening tour of the characterful Old Town, discovering its narrow medieval streets and local life. A highlight of our time in Bilbao, this guided walking pintxos tour immerses us in true Basque style, as we walk between traditional taverns, savoring these small, flavorful bites - a wonderful introduction to the region's celebrated food culture. Overnight Bilbao.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY6Discovering modern art at Bilbao’s Guggenheim

After breakfast this morning, we take a short walk from our hotel to the avant-garde Guggenheim Museum. With its curvy, titanium-clad exterior designed by architect Frank Gehry, it has become one of the world's most recognizable buildings. With entry to this contemporary gallery included, we enjoy a private guided tour and you can admire famed modern works by artists including Jeff Koons and Louise Bourgeois at leisure.

Leaving the museum, the remainder of the afternoon is at leisure to relax or explore further, perhaps returning to the Old Town's charming lanes or visiting another one of Bilbao's excellent galleries. You could also visit the colorful Ribera Market, a lively riverside hall brimming with fresh local flavors, with many tempting stalls and eateries serving fresh Basque specialties.

Dinner this evening can be enjoyed independently, providing another opportunity to sample the region's superb cuisine. Overnight Bilbao.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY7Wine tasting in Rioja enroute to an Art Deco hotel

Checking out of our hotel after breakfast this morning, we travel by coach through the Basque countryside to Logrono, the heart of La Rioja. Here, we embark on a guided Rioja vineyard tour, discovering the region's rich heritage and sampling some of its popular wines.

After our tasting, there is free time in Logrono for lunch. The historic center is filled with inviting cafés, traditional pintxos bars and local restaurants - an ideal setting to savor regional flavors at leisure.

Continuing by coach to the Pyrenean town of Canfranc, we check in to our remarkable five-star Art Deco hotel, set in a unique location between two mountains. Once the grand international railway station of Canfranc, this extraordinary building has been lovingly restored and is now recognized as an asset of cultural interest and a Royal Hideaway Hotel - a collection of special properties steeped in history and character. There's time to unwind before we dine together in one of the hotel's magnificent restaurants this evening. Overnight Canfranc Estación.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY8A journey back in time at Canfranc Estación

We discover the remarkable history of our hotel on a guided tour after breakfast this morning. With an Art Deco exterior nestled amid the Pyrenean foothills, the hotel dazzles with movie-star looks. Once one of Europe's grandest railway hubs, its vast halls, ornate details and storied past provide a fascinating insight into the golden age of travel. Accompanied by a knowledgeable guide, we learn about its significance as a major trade route, its role in wartime espionage and its eventual abandonment.

There is time at leisure after the insightful tour of our hotel. You might choose to explore the small town of Canfranc Pueblo, known for its charming mountain atmosphere and stunning Pyrenees scenery, with a choice of scenic walking trails. Alternatively, you might choose to make the most of the hotel's exceptional facilities, including a state-of-the-art gym, spa pool and a hydrotherapy area, offering a range of advanced treatments (payable locally).

Dinner this evening is at leisure, giving you the opportunity to relax in the hotel or explore the local dining options at your own pace. Overnight Canfranc Estación.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY9From historic Zaragoza to the heart of Barcelona

Departing Canfranc Estación after breakfast this morning, we travel by coach to Zaragoza, where we enjoy a guided tour of the historic Old Town. Highlights include the impressive Basilica of Our Lady of the Pillar, La Seo Cathedral - showcasing a stunning blend of Romanesque, Gothic and Mudéjar styles - and the fascinating remnants of the Roman Forum beneath the city.

There is time to find lunch independently before we board a direct, high-speed train to Barcelona, arriving in the afternoon. On arrival in this artistic city, we check in to our hotel, ideally located close to Las Ramblas, and the remainder of the afternoon and evening is at leisure.

You might choose to head out and begin exploring the city's lively streets and atmosphere before dining independently. Barcelona's food scene offers a variety of traditional Catalan dishes and contemporary cuisine which can be enjoyed in local dining spots across the city, including the famed Boqueria market on Las Ramblas. Overnight Barcelona.

Includes
  • Breakfast
DAY10Sightseeing in Barcelona

A guided tour of Barcelona's iconic sights awaits after breakfast, and one name stands out when it comes to the city's unique architecture. Flowing curves and vibrant mosaics announce Antoni Gaudí's eye-catching style, with his most famous buildings including Casa Batlló and the jaw-dropping Sagrada Família. After viewing the magnificent exterior of this iconic basilica, we explore the tree-lined boulevard of Las Ramblas and end our tour among the labyrinth alleys of the Gothic Quarter.

After the tour, enjoy free time this afternoon for lunch and continue exploring the city independently. You might choose to visit the interior of Sagrada Familia (booking recommended), or there are several neighborhoods dotted along Barcelona's coast, including former fishing villages such as Poblenou, which can be reached by metro. Alternatively, the 18th-century residential area of Barceloneta exudes Catalan coastal charm, with leafy squares surrounded by bustling bodegas.

After a day of sightseeing, we regroup for a farewell dinner this evening, enjoying the flavors of Catalan cuisine and reflecting on the unforgettable experiences of our vacation. Overnight Barcelona.

Includes
  • Breakfast, Dinner
DAY11Traveling home

On our exploration of France and Spain, we have traveled through some of Europe's most distinctive regions. Beginning in Paris and Bordeaux, we discovered elegant cities and renowned wine regions before traveling through the Basque Country to Bilbao and the Pyrenees, staying in the remarkable Canfranc Estación and concluding in the artistic city of Barcelona.

After breakfast this morning, your holiday comes to an end and you are free to transfer to Barcelona airport for your flight home or continue exploring independently.

Includes
  • Breakfast

Additional information

Mobility information

Due to the nature of our tours, they are generally unsuitable for those with restricted mobility. Please reference our Mobility Ratings Information, and if you’d like to discuss any particular vacation with us in this respect, then please don’t hesitate to call us at 1-877-929-7245.

Hotels

Hotel Les Jardins du Marais, Paris
Hotel Les Jardins du Marais, Paris
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Renaissance Hotel, Bordeaux
Renaissance Hotel, Bordeaux
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Hotel Meliá, Bilbao
Hotel Meliá, Bilbao
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Hotel Canfranc-Estación, Canfranc-Estación
Hotel Canfranc-Estación, Canfranc-Estación
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Hotel Innside Meliá Apolo, Barcelona
Hotel Innside Meliá Apolo, Barcelona
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Train Information

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TGV
TGV

Europe's first high-speed train and France's premier connection between more than 60 cities, the Train à Grande Vitesse (TGV) has served passengers with comfort and style for 40 years. Nearly 665 miles (1,070 kilometers) of interlinked track make up the TGV network, connecting Calais at the northernmost corner of France, just past the Channel Tunnel, with Marseille on the cusp of the Mediterranean Sea. In between these destinations, travelers may venture to Paris, Lille, Dijon, Lyon, Strasbourg, or any number of locales in either single or double-decker train cars that travel at speeds of up to 200 mph.

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Enhance your holiday

Extend your stay

Many of our guests choose to spend additional nights before or after their trip. Vacations By Rail would be happy to make hotel arrangements for you.