Splendid Europe Trip - 7 Days

Day 1 : Paris - Avignon (690 km)

In the morning, we'll leave Paris and by evening, arrive at the heart of Provence, Avignon. This region of France offers a rich tapestry of experiences, with vibrant cities and winding mountains presenting ever-changing vistas throughout the seasons. Let's step away from the glamour of bustling cities and journey to the serene south of France. Immerse yourself in the charm of quaint towns, unwind amidst nature, and delve into rural culture. Experience the romantic allure of Southern France as you explore Gordes, hailed as the most enchanting village in Provence. Trace the footsteps of Vincent van Gogh in the picturesque town of Arles, savor the renowned smoothness of Bordeaux wine, and indulge in the shopping haven of Andorra.

Day 2 : Avignon - Gordes - Sénanque Monastery - Avignon (200 km)

We'll kick off our day in Avignon by exploring its two iconic landmarks: the Palais des Papes (Palace of the Popes) and the Pont Saint-Bénézet, famously known as the Pont d’Avignon. Dating back to the 14th century, the palace served as the seat of the Roman Catholic Church after it moved its capital with the support of the King of France, establishing Avignon as the second religious capital of the Roman Catholic Church.

In the afternoon, we'll venture to Gordes, renowned for its association with "A Year in Provence" by Peter Mayle. This picturesque village, constructed from limestone dating back to 1525, is nestled into the steep cliffs, earning it the monikers of the Stone City and the City in the Sky. Recognized by the Association des Plus Beaux Villages de France, Gordes is hailed as one of France's most stunning villages.

Next, we'll enjoy a brief stop at the Musee de la Lavande, the lavender museum, and the Abbaye de Sénanque, which traces its origins to Catholic Cistercian monks and serves as part of the backdrop for "A Year in Provence."

(Please note: Lavender is a seasonal plant, typically blooming from July until early August, subject to climate conditions and harvesting schedules. Therefore, we cannot guarantee that visitors will witness fresh lavender during their visit.)

Day 3 : Avignon - Arles - Barcelona (500 km)

In the morning, we'll embark on a journey to Arles. This quaint town holds renown as the former abode of the iconic Dutch Impressionist, Vincent van Gogh, who resided in the Arles sanatorium from 1888 to 1889. Despite his brief stay of only one year, this period marked the zenith of his creativity. Within this timeframe, Van Gogh produced over two hundred oil paintings, including his celebrated masterpieces, "The Langlois Bridge at Arles" and "The Café Terrace on the Place du Forum." Visiting Arles offers a rare opportunity to witness the sights that captivated the Dutch maestro over a century ago. Beyond its association with Van Gogh, the town boasts an array of ancient Roman ruins, underscoring its significance as a pivotal city since antiquity.

As the afternoon approaches, we'll bid adieu to Arles and set our course for the enchanting coastal metropolis of Barcelona. If time permits upon our arrival, there's an optional excursion to explore the Olympic Beach, inviting everyone to partake in this leisurely endeavor.

Day 4 : Barcelona

Start your day with an exciting self-funded group adventure, heading towards the picturesque mountainous region to behold the splendor of the "Montserrat Monastery" nestled atop the renowned Catalan Mountain. This esteemed abbey stands as Catalonia's paramount religious sanctuary, housing the revered La Moreneta, also known as the black Madonna. The statue of the dark-faced Madonna, cradling the sacred child, stands as the guardian of the local people's spirit and soul.

As the day progresses, immerse yourself in the vibrant ambiance of Barcelona, delving into its captivating attractions. Begin by marveling at the iconic Columbus Monument and strolling down the lively promenade of La Rambla. Your journey continues with a visit to the legendary Sagrada Familia, Antoni Gaudí's magnum opus, hailed as the "architect poet's" masterpiece. Following this, capture memorable moments outside the renowned Camp Nou football stadium before venturing to Montjuïc Hill. Here, relish in the panoramic vista of the city and explore the historic Olympic Stadium, host to the 1992 Olympic Games. Conclude your day with leisurely pursuits at the bustling Catalunya Square before retiring to your hotel post-dinner.

Please note: The Camp Nou stadium will undergo extensive renovations starting from June 2023, expected to span approximately two years. Additionally, to ensure a seamless experience, we advise customers keen on visiting the Sagrada Familia to secure online tickets in advance at as access to the church is subject to daily capacity limitations. Reservation visit time: 15:00 – 15:30.

Day 5 : Barcelona - Andorra - Lourdes (480 km)

In the morning, we'll embark on our journey to the Principality of Andorra. Nestled between France and Spain in the eastern Pyrenees, this microstate boasts breathtaking mountainous landscapes and rugged terrain. Its capital, Andorra la Vella, stands as Europe's highest capital, perched at an elevation of 1,023 meters. Renowned for its alpine skiing, Andorra may not always be on the radar for Asian travelers, but its stunning vistas make it a destination worth exploring. Additionally, Andorra is famous for its duty-free shopping, offering a paradise for shoppers.

Following a delightful lunch, our route will take us through the majestic Pyrenees, crossing into France and arriving at the charming town of Lourdes. Legend has it that over 150 years ago, the Virgin Mary appeared in Lourdes, transforming it into a revered pilgrimage site where numerous miraculous healings have been reported. Each year, millions of pilgrims flock to this sacred town seeking solace and spiritual renewal.

(Note: From October to the end of February, our itinerary will be adjusted due to winter weather conditions, and we will reroute to Carcassonne in France. Carcassonne, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the iconic Castle of Carcassonne, surrounded by 3 kilometers of double walls and punctuated by 52 towers.)

Day 6 : Lourdes - Bordeaux (250 km)

Today, our journey begins from Lourdes as we embark on a memorable trip to the renowned wine region of Bordeaux. Upon arrival, we'll explore a prominent winery and its sprawling vineyards, offering you the chance to indulge in tastings and purchase wine straight from the origin.

Following our winery visit, we'll venture into the heart of Bordeaux city, where iconic attractions await. Highlights include the grand Gran Teatro de Burdeos opera house, the expansive Miroir d’Eau, the world’s largest water mirror, and the historic Place des Quinconces, among others. As the day winds down, you'll have ample free time to wander and soak up the ambiance of Bordeaux's vibrant city center.

(Note: Please be aware that many wineries in Bordeaux may be closed to tourists in August or during festivals. However, rest assured that even during these times, you'll still have the opportunity to savor and purchase wine within Bordeaux city center.)

Day 7 : Bordeaux - Chambord - Paris (590 km)

Embarking from Bordeaux, our journey leads us to the renowned Loire Valley, a must-visit destination for travelers. Spanning 1020 kilometers, the Loire River holds the esteemed title of France's longest river and is often referred to as the nation's "mother river." Along its picturesque banks lie splendid and awe-inspiring castles, adorning both sides of the waterway.

Our afternoon rendezvous awaits at the magnificent Château de Chambord, affectionately dubbed the "King of Castles." Initially commissioned by King François I of France in 1519 as a hunting lodge, the castle stands as a testament to his regal authority. To infuse the residence with unparalleled grandeur, the King enlisted the talents of Italian luminaries such as Leonardo da Vinci and Domenico da Cortona, imparting the exquisite artistry and architectural brilliance of the Italian Renaissance. In doing so, he laid the groundwork for the flourishing of the French Renaissance.

Subsequently, our path leads us to Paris, where we anticipate arrival around 7 pm.